Having long since established himself with a prosperous career acting in TV and film, Jeff Daniels (it may come as a surprise to learn) has further expanded his repertoire with a side career as a guitarist. Over the past 11 years, the Emmy Award winner has recorded six albums while redefining himself as a touring musician specializing in the Delta blues.
His most recent release came last year with the album Days Like These, and Daniels is currently on tour playing with the Ben Daniels Band, a four-piece outfit led by his son Ben and new daughter-in-law, Amanda Merte. The collection of musicians will make a stop in Santa Barbara on Tuesday, November 3, at the New Vic theater.
In advance of their performance, Daniels was kind enough to speak to The Santa Barbara Independent about his musical career and the experience of touring alongside his son. His humility and pride were clearly evident while he raved about Ben’s hard work and talent. “It’s beyond a parental highlight,” said Daniels. “It’s just a joy to watch him commit himself to songwriting and music.”