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/

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

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/

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/

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/