Instrument of Relaxation: The Music of Daniel Kleefeld
By Zik Jackson

Everyone needs to relax once in a while.  For some people, relaxation takes the form of rest and non-activity, a break from work or chores.  For others, an afternoon nap is the epitome of a relaxing day.  Music is usually a big part of the relaxation routine, and instrumental music is the style of choice for aiding along the R&R mood. Daniel Kleefeld is a local artist who specializes in soothing, tranquil, instrumental music.  A classically trained pianist, he has released two CDs of original and cover tunes which are perfect for relaxing to.  Solo Piano is his instrument, and he augments his playing with the talents of other local artists, which combine to give the listener a most enjoyable experience.  Daniel’s first CD, entitled Quiet Resting Places, was released in 1996.  His latest project, released in 2000, is called Sail Into the Wind.  The CDs are available through local bookstores and restaurants such as Bon Appetit, as well as www.kleefeld.com.  Listeners have compared his playing style to that of George Winston.  It is not as complex as David Maddux or as technical as Tom Howard, but it is anointed like Keith Green or Twila Paris.

“All my life I’ve wanted to do performances,” says Daniel.  “I minister coming out of a real broken-hearted experience from my life.”  Daniel grew up in a family of five children.  The strict parenting methods brought over from Germany by his immigrant mother and father presented a bit of a culture clash for him growing up in Fargo, North Dakota.  “There were times in school, [I was] alienated because of a different culture.  Crew cuts in a hippie generation, you know, didn’t really go over real good back then… but the Lord really has brought healing to my broken heart.”
After Bible and evangelism training through Youth With a Mission, Daniel moved to Tulsa.  For eight years, he was the featured artist at the Warren Duck Club.  “I had a dream at one point.  I knew I was led of God to play in a fine dining restaurant.  And what a place, the Warren Duck Club!  Through that, the Lord has given me other contacts like John and Lisa Bevere… He’s written three best selling books using my music as a backdrop (Quiet Resting Places) to inspire him.”  Daniel has now started Daniel Kleefeld Ministries, an organization allows him to minister full-time, playing solo concerts, and other events.