Darryl Kniffen is a drummer/educator/composer from upstate NY who leads the six
piece jazz fusion ensemble Planet Kniffen. Their album Dreamland debuted at #5 on the
Billboard Contemporary Jazz Album chart and #13 on the Billboard Jazz Album chart in
May 2018. Jazziz Magazine writes “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.” Planet Kniffen has performed at numerous clubs and festivals including
Rockwood Music Hall NYC, Hotel Utah SF, Easthampton Jazz Festival MA and Vermont
Jazz Center. Along with leading and composing for Planet Kniffen, Darryl remains a
busy freelance musician. He has performed with such artists as Broadway’s Maxine
Linehan, Saturday Night Live saxophonist Alex Foster, Chilean vocalist Natalia Bernal,
Vermont Jazz Center director/pianist Eugene Uman, and has recorded for
singer-songwriter Mondo Cozmo. Along with performing and composing, Darryl teaches
music courses in the Arlington School District in Arlington, VT. In 2016, he was named
Outstanding Teacher of the Year from the University of Vermont for his work in the
Arlington School District. Darryl received his Masters and Bachelors degrees from Crane
School of Music SUNY Potsdam and resides in Bennington VT.
- Faculty
