New Student Reviews from the recent DKO EQ Chicago tour:
I was totally blown away by the DKO Electric Quartet. I knew nothing of the
group walking into the concert and I left dying to hear more. The effects that
the trombone used brought the music to a whole new level. Additionally, the
way the piano player played bass lines with his left hand while soloing or
doing other things with his right hand was awesome. I am curious to hear
what the full DKO group sounds like and i think that NT Jazz should consider purchasing a few of these charts. Overall, Jazz Fest was an awesome day,
but the DKO quartet was one of my favorite parts of the day.
-Alex Valvassori (Jazz Ensemble I)
I though an awesome part of the festival was the DKO band. it was cool
how Darren Kramer made all kinds of different sounds through his trombone
with the guitar effects.
-Patrick Tuman
After DKO's performance, I met them in the faculty cafeteria during lunch. I complemented the percussionist on the amazing solo that he had in their
second chart, and we ended up having a long discussion about the equipment
that they use to do their effects and about the stuff he gets to do while touring with the quartet. He's a really approachable guy, and enjoys all the stuff he gets to do with DKO. Fun stuff.
-Matthew Hungerford (Soundtraks)
I remember introducing myself to John Gunther, The saxophonist for the DKO. He turned out to be a really nice guy who knew the instrument very well and gave me some great tips for practicing My sax. It was great, He was talking to me more or less like an equal even though it is apparent he's is a god at
what he does.
-Stephen Derluguian
My second favorite part of jazz fest (the night concert obviously taking first)
was the performance of the DKO electric Quartet. It was the COOLEST thing
I'd seen in a long time. I had no idea trombones could make such noises, and
Darren Kramer used that ability to make his music very unique, and it definitely
left a lasting impression. Between me and two of my friends, we now own one
of each DKO cd sold at jazz fest. Definitely a great experience. Just thought
that might help in some way. Another amazing thing was the rhythm section masterclass by the Tito Puente rhythm section. I definitely learned the most
from that. I don't need to go into specifics, you were there. Thanks for letting
me be a part of this,
- Eastman Presser
I just wanted to say that this Jazz Festival meant a lot to me this year,
being as it is my last one at New Trier before I graduate. This year seemed
a lot less stressful then most years, mostly in part that our leaders really had
a handle on everything this year. But the thing that I enjoyed the most (aside
from Tito's Band), was the Darren Kramer Quartet. They were phenomenal! I
really think it is bands like those that are innovative and unique that make
the jazz fest worth attending during the day. Overall this has been the best Jazz fest in years. Thank you for organizing one the most special days of my High School life.
- Josh Kalmikoff, Trumpet, Jazz Ensemble I
What I thought was really cool was when the four trombones were all together
and playing at once (Tito Puente Band), i thought it sounded awesome and it blew me away. Also Darren Kramer was really cool.
- Christian Cook (Freshman Jazz Ensemble)
Before listening to Tito Puente's Band, I didn't like Latin music that much. But they played amazing music and I loved the fact that they had the singer.
The best part about the jazz fest is that I appreciate Latin music and I enjoy
it more too. The DKO electric quartet was also quite amazing. Just four
people made some of the coolest music I've ever heard. And lastly, being
able to help raise money for wheel chairs for those in need was such a great feeling.
-anonymous
The most interesting jazz-fest story that happened to me was the
electric trombone. Not necessarily that they were just so amazingly
good that my life is changed forever (they were really good though),
but more of the fact that he did it. He played the trombone, but he
didn't play it like a trombone, he played it like a guitar taking a
solo. It was like, wow that's completely unlike anything I've even
seen before, and it makes me wonder. I mean if a trombone can be used
as an electric guitar, then how about a bass, which already has tons
of alternate ways to play it. Is there some new way to play it that's
undiscovered and really awesome? It was like a new trick for an old
dog and it makes me expand my view of the bass as what it is to what
it could be. Right now I don't know how i could manipulate the bass
to make it new and interesting, but somehow It might be able to be
played in a new awesome way.
-Daniel Gill (Freshman Jazz Ensemble)
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The entire community loved your performance! (at Pomona High School
01/25/06) It was a great chance for our students to hear some jazz
music and improvisation in such an energetic and exciting concert.
Some of them learned that jazz was something they could really enjoy.
I hope we can set up a clinic next time you come. Thank you so very
very much!! You are all such amazing musicians.
- Debbie Miller
Pomona HS Music Director (Jan 25, 2006)
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Darren - Thank you and all the members of
DKO for being our special guest artists at this year's festival. As
director of the Mile High Jazz Festival for the past 20 years, my objective
has always been to find talented performing musicians who can not only
entertain and inspire through their on-stage performances, but who can
also teach and relate their passion of music, and jazz in particular,
to our young festival participants through educational clinics. We hit
the "bullseye" with DKO at the 2005 Mile High Jazz Festival!!! It was
a pleasure and privilege to get to work with you and the group throughout
the three-day festival. I was very impressed with how much the group
enjoyed performing and how much the members of the group respected each
other. These are key elements to any successful performance and I especially
appreciate your efforts in putting this whole thing together. You are
certainly making a big impression on the jazz community as everyone
is still talking about your performances and clinics. Congratulations
and continued success with DKO!
- John Thomas
Mile High Jazz Festival Director
Flesher-Hinton Music Co.
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Darren,
You have breathed life into our program as your DKO musicians are all
inspirational. The individual attention you gave to each section with
your personal demos and improvisational guidance was spectacular. Our
rhythm section really got a workout and they have started to groove
beyond my dreams! In fact, we now have students wanting to solo and
eager to try the ideas you gave them. The concert capped off a perfect
day as the original music you performed was world class. The crowd walked
away amazed and entertained. Thank you for coming to our school and
sharing all of your talents! Sincerely,
-James E. Knapp
Music Director
Lake County Schools
Leadville, CO
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Dear Darren,
This is a brief note to thank you and the members of DKO for helping
make the 22nd Annual Northwest Jazz Festival a success. From the wonderful
concert to the effective clinics to the consistent adjudication of school
music ensembles, you and the members of your group provided a professional
level in all areas. All of the DKO members were involved in the educational
process of the students here at the festival and the many directors
and students had great things to say about the experience. The concert
was fantastic and the variety of your original music was inspiring.
The feedback from the students and directors was all very positive regarding
the arrangements, the improvisation, the precision, the balance and
blend of the ensemble and the display of individual virtuosity.
Please feel free to use my name if others would like to communicate
with me concerning their hosting your group at their festival.
Neil. E. Hansen
Director of Bands
Northwest College
303-754-6427
neil.hansen@northwestcollege.edu
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