Daniel Villarreal

A drummer and composer of rare power and versatility, Panamánian-born Daniel Villarreal made a major impact on the explosive Chicago jazz scene and the jazz world writ large, known widely for work as a bandleader with Dos Santos and collaboration with guitarist Jeff Parker, bassist Anna Butterss, Sun Ra Arkestra leader Marshall Allen, and jazz legend Joe Chambers. He makes his long-awaited bow at SFJAZZ with two nights in the Joe Henderson Lab with his outstanding trio. 

Relocating to the U.S. from Panamá City in the early 2000s, Villarreal brought his omnivorous musical tastes and experiences to his extensive work as a sideman and bandmember that mixed traditional Latin rhythms with elements of progressive rock, jazz, and reggaeton.  

A pivotal gig with Parker, Chicano Batman frontman Bardo Martinez, multi-disciplinary artist Elliot Bergman, and bassist Kellen Harrison led to his wildly successful first album as a leader for the taste-making International Anthem label, 2022’s Panamá 77, a recording named to numerous Best-of-Year lists in the jazz press.  

Now living in Philadelphia, Villarreal toured with cellist Leyla McCalla and released his second lauded session, Lados B, in 2023.  

For these performances, Villarreal brings his new trio with emerging Brazilian American vibraphonist Victor Vieira-Branco and bassist John Moran, performing material from their 2026 debut album.