Biography
Dayna Kurtz is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer, known for her emotionally resonant songwriting and genre-blending musical style. Born in New Jersey, Kurtz began her career as a teenager performing background music in crowded Jersey Shore beach bars, where she developed her craft by playing covers for tourists and experimenting with different styles[2][3][4]. Her early experiences taught her the fundamentals of songwriting and performance, shaping her confessional and soulful approach to music.
Over the years, Kurtz has built a formidable body of work, earning an international reputation for her riveting live performances and powerful voice[5][6]. Initially rooted in confessional singer-songwriter traditions, her style evolved to incorporate elements of jazz, blues, soul, and early rock 'n' roll, influenced by artists such as Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, and theatrical rock icons like David Bowie and Queen[1]. Kurtz's move to Brooklyn and her deep connection to New Orleans further enriched her musical palette, as she became a passionate cratedigger and interpreter of lesser-known American standards and soul gems[1][6].
Kurtz's legacy is marked by her dedication to musical authenticity and her ability to connect deeply with audiences. She has released numerous albums, including 'American Standard' and 'Secret Canon Vol. 1,' and is celebrated for her collaborations with top-tier musicians. Her work is characterized by a blend of vulnerability, wit, and a commitment to making people dance, reflecting her belief in music's communal power[1][6].
Fun Facts
- Dayna Kurtz originally planned to move to New Orleans after falling in love with the city, but a car accident and meeting her future husband in New York changed her plans[1].
- She once performed two album release shows in New York on the same day, each with a different band, to support two albums released simultaneously[1].
- Kurtz is an avid cratedigger, collecting obscure records and drawing inspiration from lesser-known artists and labels[1].
- She has a seasonal home on a Vermont farm, balancing her life between rural tranquility and urban musical scenes[7][8].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Joni Mitchell - Stylistic influence; admired for songwriting and musical innovation (General influence on songwriting approach) [Ongoing]
- Stevie Wonder - Stylistic influence; inspired by soul and jazz elements (General influence on vocal style and musicality) [Ongoing]
Key Collaborators
- Simon Lott - Band member and live performance collaborator in New Orleans (Live shows, including Jazz Fest performances) [2010s–present]
- David Torkanowsky - Band member and recording collaborator (Live and studio performances) [2010s–present]
- Matt Perrine - Band member and live collaborator (Live shows in New Orleans) [2010s–present]
- Robert Mache - Band member and live collaborator (Live shows in New Orleans) [2010s–present]
- Bernard Purdie - Performed together in New York; session collaboration (Live gig in New York) [Specific event, date not specified]
- George Porter, Jr. - Session musician; collaborated on recording sessions (Studio session (noted in interviews)) [Specific event, date not specified]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Mmm... Gumbo? | 2008-01-01 | Album |
| Secret Canon Vol. 2 | 2013-06-03 | Album |
| Rise And Fall | 2015-01-01 | Album |
| Postcards From Downtown | 2002 | Album |
| Secret Canon Vol. 2 | 2013-06-03 | Album |
| Another Black Feather... For The Wings Of A Sinner | 2006 | Album |
| Beautiful Yesterday | 2004-08-03 | Album |
| Secret Canon Vol. 1 | 2012 | Album |
| Here Vol. 2 | 2018-02-09 | Album |
| American Standard | 2010-08-02 | Album |
| Lulu and the Broadsides | 2023-04-14 | Album |
| Here Vol. 1 | 2017-03-03 | Album |
| Secret Canon, Vol. 1 | 2012-05-14 | Album |
| American Standard | 2010-11-21 | Album |
| Mmm... Gumbo? [ International Version ] | 2008-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Reconsider Me (Secret Canon Vol. 2)
- It's How You Hold Me (Rise And Fall)
- Love Gets In The Way (Postcards From Downtown)
- Not Jealous (Mmm... Gumbo?)
- I'll Be a Liar (Secret Canon Vol. 2)
- Reconsider Me (Secret Canon Vol. 2)
- You're Not What I Need (But You're All That I Want) (Rise And Fall)
- Venezuela (Another Black Feather... For The Wings Of A Sinner)
- You'll Always Live Inside Me (Rise And Fall)
- I'll Be A Liar (Secret Canon Vol. 2)
External Links
Tags: #americana, #folk, #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
Dayna Kurtz has been played 5 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2, 2026 | 13:13 | Joy in Repetitionfrom Beautiful Yesterday | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk | |
| Dec 22, 2025 | 02:31 | Nolafrom Another Black Feather | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis | |
| Dec 8, 2025 | 02:54 | Last Good Tastefrom Postcards from Downtown | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis | |
| Nov 17, 2025 | 01:55 | Chelsea Burns/Venezuela | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis | |
| Nov 17, 2025 | 00:53 | Talking at the Same Timefrom Here Vol 2 | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis |