He became interested in jazz as a teenager when he was impressed by the musicians accompanying singers, such as Frank Sinatra, on recordings.

[2] Daniels has toured and recorded with a variety of bands, small groups and orchestras, and appeared on television many times.

He has played with Bucky Pizzarelli, Freddie Hubbard, Billy Joel,[3] Don Patterson, and Richard Davis.

[3] He was a member for six years of The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, playing tenor saxophone, clarinet and flute.

With The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra With Bob James With Freddie Hubbard With Eric Gale With Jimmy McGriff With Billy Joel With Dave Grusin With Don Sebesky With Arturo Sandoval With others