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DK Anderson

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.

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Album Review

DK Anderson's Cypher: 8th Window

Read "8th Window" reviewed by Hrayr Attarian


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 ...

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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”.

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Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Quantum Truth

DK Anderson
2018

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8th Window

Self Produced
2017

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8th Window

DK Anderson
2016

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Videos

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