DK [Darnell Kenneth] Anderson was born on November 19, 1979, a mill town kid from the city of Monessen, Pennsylvania. He began his musical studies on tenor saxophone at the age of 11. At the age 16 he started playing the piano and became interested in composition. DK Anderson graduated from Duquesne University School of Music having studied with saxophonist James Houlik; composition and orchestration with Mike Tomaro and David Stock; counterpoint with Dr. Robert Shankovich; and jazz studies later with Sean Jones of the Lincoln Center Jazz Band. In 2001, Anderson premiered his first work for big band at Pittsburgh's Mellon Winterfest Jazz Festival.
Anderson is a veteran of the Roger Humphries Big Band [2001 to 2007], Pittsburgh's "Boogie Hustlers" [2004 to 2007]. In 2007 Anderson stepped away from the public eye. During his self-imposed hiatus, Anderson immersed himself in contemplation of music. Living an ascetic like life in a small house in the woods of rural Ohio, Anderson could challenge himself to recognize the musical chords of train whistles as the sound bounced through the valleys. Observing sounds he heard in his surroundings started to affect the way he composed and related to music.
Seeking to expand these concepts, Anderson stepped back into the public music scene in 2015 to jam and talk about music with friends and musicians in as many different genres as possible. His Cypher Band debuted at the Pittsburgh JazzLive Festival 2016.
Saxophonist DK Anderson showcases his mature style and superb musicianship on his debut 8th Window. Leading his band Cypher, Anderson interprets, with passion and elegance, five of his heady originals and three covers including an intriguing take on rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix's classic Manic Depression." Anderson opens the latter tune with his fiery honking wails adding a spiritual edge to it. As bass and drums rumble guitarist Dave DiStefano embellishes the melody with resonant chords seamlessly transforming it ...
NEW JAZZ ADDS - WTJU
Dave Rogers January 31, 2017
DK Anderson’s Cypher – 8th Window (Self-produced): DK Anderson made his first major jazz performances
about 2003 and he has continued to be based in Pittsburgh. His is a unique style which he has broadened with
the creation of Cypher. The group is a jamming style of band but with a soul and hard jazz base. There are very
cool moments and some crazy outside moments during the set. Five of the compositions are Anderson
originals which fall more into the jazz and soul jazz realm. They also perform a great spin on Jimi Hendrix’
“Manic Depression” and a totally outrageous take on “Caravan”.
NEW JAZZ ADDS - WTJU
Dave Rogers January 31, 2017
DK Anderson’s Cypher – 8th Window (Self-produced): DK Anderson made his first major jazz performances
about 2003 and he has continued to be based in Pittsburgh. His is a unique style which he has broadened with
the creation of Cypher. The group is a jamming style of band but with a soul and hard jazz base. There are very
cool moments and some crazy outside moments during the set. Five of the compositions are Anderson
originals which fall more into the jazz and soul jazz realm. They also perform a great spin on Jimi Hendrix’
“Manic Depression” and a totally outrageous take on “Caravan”.
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER
Alex Gordon January 23, 2017
This week's MP3 Monday is a slow-burning jazz track from DK Anderson's Cypher. "Double Vision" is a good
intro to the moody, abstract and unrushed style of his latest release, 8th Window, recorded at Mr. Smalls. It's a
fantastic record, mixing challenging originals with covers including Jimi Hendrix and the Mario Bros. theme.
No joke. Stream or download "Double Vision" below and keep up to date with their goings-on at their website.
90.5 WESA
Bob Studebaker December 02, 2016
"..If you appreciate artists who push the boundaries you'll love hearing DK Anderson's Cypher obliterate
boundaries. Backed by some of Pittsburgh's most recognizable jazz artists tenor saxophonist DK Anderson
explores dynamic new approaches to both rock and jazz classics as well as making bold statements with
original compositions. The cd "8th window" opens into interesting new territory."
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