The Journey: From the City to the Lakes
NYC Seasoned Meets New England Soul
Dan Haedicke (pronounced Ha-dik) is a Wolfeboro-based guitarist, producer, and founder of Kwality Records, bringing world-class ‘reimagined’ soul, rock, and global jazz rhythms to the New Hampshire Lakes Region. From the legendary stages of New York City to the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Dan brings a premier musical experience to the most discerning venues and private clients in New England.
The Early Years: D.C. Roots
Hailing from Washington, D.C., Dan’s musical fascination began at age 11. His path crystallized at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, where he performed at prestigious venues including the Kennedy Center, the Library of Congress, and the White House.
The NYC Chapter: Performance & Production
Dan moved to New York to attend the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, earning a degree in Guitar Performance. He became a fixture of the NYC scene, performing at world-renowned venues such as The Blue Note NYC, Gramercy Theater, Rockwood Music Hall, and Nublu. In 2007, he founded Kwality Records, working as a producer and session guitarist for a diverse array of talent, including Kool Keith, Lil’ Fame, Keyon Harrold, B. Slade, and Maurice “Mobetta” Brown.
Theatrical & Orchestral Credits
Beyond the jazz club, Dan has a deep background in the precision-driven world of professional musical theater. Since 2023, he has been a mainstay in pit orchestras for major regional productions, demonstrating his versatility on both guitar and electric bass. Notable credits include:
The Music Hall (Detroit): The soul-infused musical Ruby.
The Palace Theatre (Manchester, NH): Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville.
West Coast Black Theatre Troupe (Sarasota, FL): A resident multi-instrumentalist for nine productions.
A Melodic Voice: "In All The Ways"
Dan’s career as a leader is defined by what renowned jazz critic Scott Yanow describes as a "melodic and bluesy jazz voice... recalling the classic CTI recordings of George Benson." His debut album, In All The Ways, showcased his ability to blend creative jazz with accessible, "reimagined" soul. Whether leading the DH4 Quartet, the deep-pocket Nightshift Trio (DH3), or performing as a solo live-looper, Dan’s focus remains on memorable melodies and sophisticated grooves.
From the City to the Lakes
Bringing the grit of the NYC jazz scene to the serenity of New Hampshire, Dan offers a unique musical perspective to the North Country. Beyond his own ensembles, he is a frequent collaborator with New England’s premier event agencies, performing with elite Boston-based groups including Night Shift Entertainment, Silver Arrow Band, and Soul of Boston.
Combining the energy of soul, rock, and global jazz rhythms, Dan delivers a world-class musical experience with the professional poise of a seasoned veteran. Every performance is an invitation to experience artistry that pays homage to the greats while defining a new soulful standard for the Lakes Region.