Trained on several instruments, Turner favors the harp for its poetry and expressiveness. Though he most often plays private engagements, every now and then you might luck into seeing him out at a venue, like the Naples Evenings on Fifth.
Recently he spoke to the Eagle about the winding road that led him to Florida, the musicians he’s worked with, and why he wouldn’t trade his harp for a warehouse full of guitars.
Q: Where did you start your musical career?
A: I was born in South Texas. I performed with Mrs. Snows Boys Choir. I sang with the U.S. Army Choir. I performed at a five-star restaurant and hotel in Plymouth, Michigan, as a house musician for 12 years. I would play the harp in the dining room for dinner, then graduate into the lounge to play familiar standards until midnight.
Q: So what brought you to Florida?
A: I came to Florida in 2001 to pursue my career. I have had great success. I am currently working with local world-class recording artists Kat Epple and J. Robert. I recently opened for John McEuen (from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band).
Q: You also play guitar — any other instruments?
A: Yes ... I have played guitar since I was five years old. I also played cello and violin. I started taking formal voice training at age five as well. At age 25, I decided to do something more unique and took up harp.
Q: How’d you first pick up guitar?
A: I was playing my grandmother’s tennis racket with a string wrapped around my neck. I finally wore out the strands on the racket and they thought that maybe we should get the boy a guitar.
Q: So ... harp? It’s an unusual thing for a modern, non-symphonic musician to play. How did that come about?
A: I was playing the mandolin and bass guitar for the Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof. The conductor of the pit orchestra was a harpist. He asked me if I would be interested in purchasing his secondary instrument. I did! The rest is history.
Q: You seem to use the instrument a lot in your gigs. How is it received, usually?
A: Most people have never seen a harp, or heard it played in person. It makes a definite lasting impression. My harp is special in that it was handmade and hand-painted with roses, vines, butterflies, and hummingbirds. My harp is also electric, which makes for an appropriate volume in any venue.
Q: How and when did your involvement in the Osslin Agency (talent agency) come about?
A: I met the creative director, David John Huber, online, and was offered a position as music director. I work with aspiring artists with vocal technique and performance.
Q: Who are your primary musical influences?
A: I had the pleasure of working with some of my musical heroes: John Denver, Earl Klugh, and Crosby, Stills, & Nash. My style is a blend of New Age, jazz, and classical combined.
Q: You have a very unique and interesting voice. Are you trained?
A: I studied voice from age five. I was in the United States Army Choir from 1970 to 1974. We traveled with the Bob Hope USO shows to Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Korea, entertaining the troops. I also studied formal voice after the army, and still continue to do vocal coaching for my clients.
Q: What types of music do you play? Which is your favorite?
A: I would call my Music “New Age Contemporary Jazz.” It also fits into easy listening. I also play classic rock favorites with guitar and vocal.
Q: Do you also do originals?
A: I play mostly original compositions on harp. I have several CDs available online.
Q: What’s the best thing about what you do for a living?
A: I feel blessed to be able to share my gifts with the many people around the world that have crossed my path. I still meet people every day that have heard me perform in the past. The Harp makes a lasting impression. There are thousands of guitar players, but there is only one DL Turner!