PRESS
'dreamland' featured on jazziz MAGAZINE sounds of summer cd
jazziz magazine
"With one notable exception - a jazz interpretation of AC/DC's "Back in Black" - all compositions were penned by the drummer, who displays a range of inspirations and emotions across an evocative nine-song set. The cohesion of the musicians is apparent, and they seem locked in with one another musically and conceptually."
https://www.jazziz.com/pageflip/summer18/
https://www.jazziz.com/pageflip/summer18/
billboard top jazz albums
billboard magazine
'Dreamland' was #13 on the Billboard Jazz Album chart and #5 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Album chart the week after its release.
https://www.billboard.com/charts/jazz-albums/2018-05-12
https://www.billboard.com/charts/jazz-albums/2018-05-12
GET IT OR FORGET IT – XSYNTAX, WILDEOR, KIRA MAY, PLANET KNIFFEN, ABOLITIONIST
la music critic
"a delectable jazz mix that is both uplifting, upbeat and relaxing."
www.lamusiccritic.com/indie_voice_blog/get-it-or-forget-it-xsyntax-wildeor-kira-may-news-from-planet-kniffen-abolitionist/
www.lamusiccritic.com/indie_voice_blog/get-it-or-forget-it-xsyntax-wildeor-kira-may-news-from-planet-kniffen-abolitionist/
Hearing Aide: Planet Kniffen ‘Dreamland’
rick disotell, nys music
"Planet Kniffen shows tons of promise with their first foray into the world of jazz-fusion, with a debut album that blends mesmerizing soundscapes with genre-bending arrangements and musical prowess. These guys are not to be missed."
nysmusic.com/2018/05/13/hearing-aide-news-from-planet-kniffen-dreamland/
nysmusic.com/2018/05/13/hearing-aide-news-from-planet-kniffen-dreamland/
Review of PLANET KNIFFEN's Debut Album 'DREAMLAND'
Eugene Uman, director of Vermont Jazz Center and bandleader of Eugene Uman's Convergence Project
Kniffen writes music that takes us on welcome journeys: complex yet tuneful, its tuneful melodies are embedded in carefully crafted arrangements with highlighted spaces that feature the high-level musicianship of his killin' ensemble. Kniffen provides us with music that is both high energy and accessibility; he is masterful at creating compositions that are harmonically and rhythmically compelling, yet it's much bigger than that - like natural laws, his music satisfies a listener's quest for variety, energy and beauty. If I were to think of one phrase that describes Kniffen's approach it would be "well balanced." His compositions, his choice of musicians and his playing demonstrate intelligent complexity. When taken as a whole, Kniffen's music achieves a naturally balanced panorama that carefully juxtaposes, danceable grooves with dreamy landscapes, intense bebop-influenced instrumental outbursts with mind-calming pads. Kniffen's music is a manifestation of joy and deep reflection and it deserves to be heard.
First-Ever Easthampton Jazz Festival to Present Young, Local Musicians and Jazz Greats such as Andy Jaffe, Wallace Roney and Jimmy Greene
Janice Beetle, beetle press
EASTHAMPTON—The first-ever Easthampton Jazz Festival will bring young musicians and world-renowned talent to the stage on Saturday, March 4 from noon to 10 p.m., and event founder and chair Carol Abbe Smith is seeking sponsorships and donations to help defray ticket costs.
The festival is divided into two performance events. An afternoon show will take place from noon to 5:30 p.m. at the 121 Club at Eastworks, with young, local musicians and singers to include Ginja Low Main; Kimaya Diggs and Friends; The Ellington Trio; Lizzie Meier, Stephen Kerr, and Mike Caudill; and the Darryl Kniffen Sextet.
www.beetlepress.com/first-ever-easthampton-jazz-festival-to-present-young-local-musicians-and-jazz-greats-such-as-andy-jaffe-wallace-roney-and-jimmy-greene/
The festival is divided into two performance events. An afternoon show will take place from noon to 5:30 p.m. at the 121 Club at Eastworks, with young, local musicians and singers to include Ginja Low Main; Kimaya Diggs and Friends; The Ellington Trio; Lizzie Meier, Stephen Kerr, and Mike Caudill; and the Darryl Kniffen Sextet.
www.beetlepress.com/first-ever-easthampton-jazz-festival-to-present-young-local-musicians-and-jazz-greats-such-as-andy-jaffe-wallace-roney-and-jimmy-greene/