DREAMLAND by Planet Kniffen
Jazz fusion group Planet Kniffen arose out of Darryl Kniffen’s desire for complete creative musical freedom. Thus, Kniffen and his group of all-star musicians recorded nine original instrumental tracks in an effort to create "a musical world...of beauty, complexity, and mystery.” The result is their debut album, Dreamland, set to release on April 27, 2018.
The group began in 2014 when Kniffen began composing tunes for a jazz/fusion sextet in his ski house basement apartment in Wilmington, VT. He would frequently attend the Vermont Jazz Center in the neighboring town of Brattleboro for their jam sessions and monthly concerts. In the past three years, the group has performed at Easthampton Jazz Festival, Vermont Jazz Center, and the Saratoga Beekman Arts Festival and continues to perform nationwide.
Today, Planet Kniffen is excited to share their energy, creativity, and musicality with their debut album, Dreamland, out this April!
About Darryl Kniffen:
Darryl Kniffen is an exceptionally creative, passionate, and innovative drummer/educator/composer. His creativity is apparent in all aspects of life, from creating original instruments from recycled materials with his students, to composing inventive pieces that push the boundaries of jazz and rock.
As a live performer, Kniffen has performed alongside numerous artists including Chilean vocalist Natalia Bernal, Emmy award-winning guitarist/composer Freddy Shehadi, jazz trumpeter Richard Boulger and Saturday Night Live saxophonist Alex Foster.
Today, Darryl continues to explore uncharted territory with his unique compositions and innovative drumming. Whether performing solo, with guest musicians, or with his sextet Planet Kniffen, Darryl takes the audience on a wild adventure.
Tracklist
| 1. | Abyss | 6:31 |
| 2. | Peace Journey | 4:01 |
| 3. | Back in Black | 4:57 |
| 4. | Midnight Drive | 7:49 |
| 5. | Dreamland | 7:01 |
| 6. | Song of Everest | 5:17 |
| 7. | Beautiful Mystery | 4:14 |
| 8. | Inspiration | 4:50 |
| 9. | Tick Tock | 3:41 |
Credits
Musicians:
Matt Steckler- alto saxophone, tenor saxophone. Dylan Canterbury- trumpet, flugelhorn (Tracks 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9). Jun Iida- trumpet (Tracks, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8). Franz Robert- piano. Shaun McCarthy- guitar. Adam Friedlander- guitar (Track 3). Freddi Shehadi- guitar (Track 6). Jason Schwartz- bass. Darryl Kniffen- drums, percussion, compositions.
All compositions by Darryl Kniffen except for Back in Black (Malcolm Young, Brian Johnson, Angus Young). Produced by Darryl Kniffen. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Angelo Quaglia at Northfire Studio in Amherst, MA. ℗ and © 2018 Cwazy Widdle Wabbit Pubwishing Company (BMI). All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws. Made in USA.
License
All rights reserved.
An eclectic, forward-thinking jazz ensemble, Planet Kniffen showcases the writing of drummer and bandleader Darryl Kniffen. The band released their debut effort Dreamland in April 2018, an album that showcased their cross-pollinated blend of post-bop and electric fusion.