REVIEWS • TESTIMONIALS

“DK — A bigger rock star than us all!”
Rob Thomas - Solo Artist & Lead Singer/Songwriter for Rock Band Matchbox Twenty (Mad Season Tour 2000-01)

“Fresh, innovative funk by a brilliant, upcoming trombonist…and the tune ‘Turbulent Altercation’ – WOW! A renaissance musician…”
Michael Brecker - Tenor Sax/EWI/Composer for Brecker Brothers, Steps Ahead, Multi Grammy-Award Winner

“DKO is one of the most polished and exciting bands I have ever heard in this genre. Their enthusiasm is overwhelming and inspirational. Great charts and wonderful performances from everyone in the group!”
Randy Brecker - Trumpet/Composer for Brecker Brothers

“Darren Kramer is a great player and arranger and very knowledgable on all the latest technology. My ASMAC masterclass with him on 8.29.20 was the best presentation I’ve done.”
Jerry Hey - Trumpet/Horn Arranger for Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, EW&F, Al Jarreau

“Darren, It was so great getting to play with you this week. Not only are you a bad ass mofo, but you are a class act as well. We need to do this again.”
Wayne Bergeron - First-Call Los Angeles Studio Trumpet, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band

“It’s quite an operation you have going. Very ambitious! The tunes are clever, well-arranged and certainly well-played by everyone. I am more than impressed by it all!”
Bobby Shew - International Trumpet Artist & Clinician

“DKO has its own vibe!!! Excellent writing, soloing and ensemble playing. Congratulations Darren! It’s great to hear a band with a fabulous horn section…but of course I’m partial!”
David Garibaldi - Drummer for Tower of Power

“I am blown away by your DKO “Quench!” CD but you’ve really topped yourself with “In The Now”! This is the next Tower of Power, Blood Sweat & Tears, Chicago, and Cold Blood rolled into one. 10 Stars!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Gary Lindsay - Former Director of Studio/Jazz Writing - University of Miami Frost School of Music

“There’s no question that a lot of time has been put into this project. This is high-class “fusion” at its best with a lot of heart and true human energy…authentic grooves, great solos and ensemble work, and Darren…you sound very good on that impossible instrument!”
Dave Liebman - Tenor/Soprano Saxophone with Chick Corea, John Scofield, Int’l Jazz Educator

“Your CD “In The Now” sounds very good indeed. Great playing and writing…interesting textures and sounds. Keep up the good work!”
Bob Mintzer - Tenor Saxophone/EWI for Yellowjackets, Comp/Arr Bob Mintzer Big Band, USC Jazz Faculty

“Darren’s compositions are the perfect balance of emotion and intellect…they stir deep feelings as they simultaneously challenge your mind…both as a player and as a listener!”
Rick Margitza - Miles Davis, Maria Schneider Orch

“I like your cd! You did a great job. I like the energy, etc.”
Bill Evans - Jazz Saxophone Recording Artist - Miles Davis, Mahavishnu, 

“I’m mixing the most modern trombonist perhaps ever…Darren Kramer” (Beyond The Boneyard EP 2012)
Scott Kinsey - Scott Kinsey Group, Tribal Tech

“Very Impressive in every way. I love what you are doing with the electronics!! Keep up the GREAT INNOVATIVE Work!! Good Luck, with your WONDERFUL Direction!”
Justin DiCioccio - Former Chairman of Jazz Dept - Manhattan School of Music

”This is one of the most interesting and listenable CD’s of “bone music” I’ve heard. GREAT WORK!!!”
Alex Iles - First-Call Los Angeles Studio Trombonist

“I was knocked out by your CD! Incredible writing, fantastic sounds and great playing.”
Bob McChesney - Los Angeles Studio Trombonist / Author of Doodle Studies Book

“I think your playing and writing are exactly where the trombone should be going. Your newest fan,”
Alan Kaplan - Los Angeles Studio Trombonist

“WOW. I am very impressed. You are establishing a major presence on the scene with this CD.”
Bob Montgomery - Prominent Colorado Jazz Educator & Yamaha Trumpet Rep/Clinician

“Your CD is AWESOME!!! Congratulations - - a home run. I especially did your really imaginative production and slammin’ arrangement of the opening cut. Keep up the great work!”
Dan Levine - Blood Sweat & Tears, New York City Freelance Trombonist

“I think you did a great job — harmonically and melodically — It is on par with anything I’ve ever heard in this vein!!”
John Paterno - Los Angeles Recording Engineer

“Your CD is ridiculous! Wow Darren! I should’ve taken some compositional lessons with you before you left Vegas! Incredible!”
Phil Wigfall - Las Vegas Freelance Saxophonist / Sheena Easton, Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns

“Man, I’ve just been floored! Turbulent Altercation. Oh my God! What an awesome, motivating, driving piece! Keep writing!”
Doug Scarborough - Washington Trombonist/Composer/Multi-Instrumentalist

“I hope you’ll be interested in letting me feature it on our Special of the Month from my website. The jazz station CD 101.9 should have a copy. REALLY GOOD STUFF — BEST OF LUCK!!”
Hank Paretzky 

“Your CD is absolutely WONDERFUL! I know you will be the next Brecker Brother (on trombone)!”
Jill Geist - California High School Band Director

“I listened to your CD and I love it! It’s funky and fun and multi-dimensional. I think you have a hot one on your hands!”
Christy Cothern - Atlanta Business Executive