DK [Darnell Kenneth] Anderson, a tenor saxophonist, was born November 19, 1979 in Monessen, Pennsylvania. He is a former mill kid. At the age of 11, he began musical studies on the tenor saxophone. He began playing the piano at the age of 16 and later became interested in composition. DK Anderson graduated Duquesne University School of Music. He studied composition and orchestration under James Houlik, and counterpoint under Dr. Robert Shankovich. Later, he continued his jazz studies with Sean Jones of The Lincoln Center Jazz Band. Anderson’s first big band work was premiered at Pittsburgh’s Mellon Winterfest Jazz Festival in 2001. Anderson is a veteran from the Roger Humphries Band [2001-2007], Pittsburgh’s “Boogie Hustlers [2004-2007]. Anderson decided to step away from the public eye in 2007. Anderson spent his self-imposed hiatus contemplating music. Anderson lived a simple life, living in rural Ohio in a small house. He was able to identify the musical notes of train whistles through the valleys. Anderson began to notice the sounds around him and how they affected his music compositions. Anderson was determined to expand these ideas and returned to the public music scene in 2015. He wanted to jam with musicians and friends in all genres and discuss music. His Cypher Band debuted at the Pittsburgh JazzLive Festival 2016. from http://dkandersonjazz.com
