Electronic Press Kit
«Go back in time to an authentic blues experience»
Dan Elwood
Dan Elwood, born in Zagreb in 1988, is a musician in every sense of the word. His first encounter with Blues was as a 14-year-old kid watching the 1980 musical comedy The Blues Brothers. A year later, Dan became a Bluesman himself, donning his black suit and tie and teaching himself to play the blues harp. He has been hypnotizing audiences with his blues harp in some of Zurich’s and Zagreb’s most popular music venues ever since.
Beyond making his blues harp wail like a chorus of restless spirits, Dan also plays the guitar. He is known for his vocal depth and intensity, making every note feel full-bodied and heartfelt.
Dan has appeared as an on-stage guest alongside many bands in both Switzerland and Croatia.
Roots
To help share his love for the Blues, rooted in a long-standing family musical tradition that includes a great-grandfather who founded Zagreb’s first violin school, Dan founded the Twisted Smoke Band in 2007 to perform his original songs and breathe new life into timeless classics, inspired by legends such as Ray Charles, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Little Walter, Junior Wells, Booker T. and, of course, the Blues Brothers.
Musicians
The Twisted Smoke Band brings together a group of seasoned musicians, handpicked by Dan Elwood, who has poured his talent, passion and dedication into crafting a distinctive blend of blues influences. Among its regular members are bassist Michele Limina and Nicolò Sentinelli, whose soulful guitar solos never fail to captivate. Together, these accomplished artists boast over 500 live performances and numerous studio releases across their individual careers.
Sound
Dan Elwood’s original music is a tribute to classical Blues and Rhythm & Blues, infused with a modern dash of Rock’n’Roll and Pop. Drawing from the storytelling tradition of Country music, his lyrics weave together laughter, tragedy and irony, creating songs that feel both personal and universal.
The band’s sound is unmistakable driven by Dan’s signature and expressive Blues Harp playing, lively vocals that truly get under your skin and Mr. Sentinelli’s distinctive guitar solos.
Timeless yet immediate, their music captures the spirit of classic live Blues while re-emerging for a new generation now rediscovering its raw, authentic energy.
Releases
In 2020, after more than a decade of live performances, the Zurich, Switzerland-based band released their first single “They Call Me Dan Elwood” on Spotify, Apple Music and all other streaming platforms. The release was accompanied by an official music video.
In 2025 they released their first EP called “Lonely Bluesman”. Recorded and mastered at the renowned Powerplay Studios in Maur, Switzerland, “Lonely Bluesman” captures the Twisted Smoke Band’s raw fusion of gritty blues and R&B. This five-track EP distills the group’s explosive live energy into a pristine, world-class studio production.
Concerts
