When it comes to music, especially in the world of Jazz, the expression and delivery is extremely important but varied in infinite ways. When it comes to Darryl F. Walker you will always get the clear message!
By Rodney W. Branche
By Rodney W. Branche
Copa: Where are you from?
Darryl: Los Angeles, Gardena, Carson, and Harbor City, CA.
Darryl: Los Angeles, Gardena, Carson, and Harbor City, CA.
Copa: What school did you attend?
Darryl: I attended Carson High School.
Darryl: I attended Carson High School.
Copa: When did you first discover you had a love for music?
Darryl: Age two (according to my mother) who said I was singing the Jazz tune "Alphie" before I could even speak properly.
Darryl: Age two (according to my mother) who said I was singing the Jazz tune "Alphie" before I could even speak properly.
Copa: Who were your biggest musical influences as you were growing up?
Darryl: Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne, Nat King Cole, George Benson.
Darryl: Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne, Nat King Cole, George Benson.
Copa: When did you first start to play musical instruments and what were they?
Darryl: Since the age of fourteen I have sung and played the saxophone. I was enrolled in a music appreciation course where we were to become proficient Flutophone players. After succeeding at this, I wanted to be a middle-school marching band member who played a "real" instrument. The rest is history. Upon attending high school I determined I needed to continue my marching band. I continued to play throughout my military career.
Darryl: Since the age of fourteen I have sung and played the saxophone. I was enrolled in a music appreciation course where we were to become proficient Flutophone players. After succeeding at this, I wanted to be a middle-school marching band member who played a "real" instrument. The rest is history. Upon attending high school I determined I needed to continue my marching band. I continued to play throughout my military career.
Copa: What music styles do you play?
Darryl: "Pop" is the genre of music I call a "melting pot." It seems not to be so genre specific; rather, a blend of several popular musical styles which changes so frequently that the "hits" have a very short shelf life. "Blues," is the genre of music which is VERY SOULFUL, and expressive.
Darryl: "Pop" is the genre of music I call a "melting pot." It seems not to be so genre specific; rather, a blend of several popular musical styles which changes so frequently that the "hits" have a very short shelf life. "Blues," is the genre of music which is VERY SOULFUL, and expressive.
Copa: When was your first gig?
Darryl: My first memorable gig was with my Motown act "Identity Crisis" in Corpus Christi in 1994 on the "Johnny Canales" TV Show, where I met Tejano Music sensation Selena, her father, and brother AB. The television audience LOVED us! My second most memorable gig was last year as the lead vocalist and fifth horn section member of Greg Adams and East Bay Soul at "Jazz In The Woods," Overland Park, in Kansas City, KS for a crowd of 12,000! We closed the show (headlined) and had all 12,000 people dancing and shouting!
Darryl: My first memorable gig was with my Motown act "Identity Crisis" in Corpus Christi in 1994 on the "Johnny Canales" TV Show, where I met Tejano Music sensation Selena, her father, and brother AB. The television audience LOVED us! My second most memorable gig was last year as the lead vocalist and fifth horn section member of Greg Adams and East Bay Soul at "Jazz In The Woods," Overland Park, in Kansas City, KS for a crowd of 12,000! We closed the show (headlined) and had all 12,000 people dancing and shouting!
Copa: Do you ever have a conversation with your instruments, if so do you have a name for them?
Darryl: The musical conversation(s) I have with my new Yamaha Professional "Custom Z" Silver Plated beauty, is one of stress relief, the production of a soul connection with my audiences. Playing has side benefits (joy and satisfaction). My saxophone has no name but I may name it "Lustrous Lady."
Darryl: The musical conversation(s) I have with my new Yamaha Professional "Custom Z" Silver Plated beauty, is one of stress relief, the production of a soul connection with my audiences. Playing has side benefits (joy and satisfaction). My saxophone has no name but I may name it "Lustrous Lady."
Copa: What is your opinion of your band?
Darryl: My opinion of my band is that they are the finest group of musicians I have ever had the pleasure of working with in-studio and in live settings. Collectively, there must be over one hundred twenty years of experience between us. This band is a "MUST SEE" act!
Darryl: My opinion of my band is that they are the finest group of musicians I have ever had the pleasure of working with in-studio and in live settings. Collectively, there must be over one hundred twenty years of experience between us. This band is a "MUST SEE" act!
Copa: What does the future hold for Darryl F. Walker and his music?
Darryl: The future holds the promise of even more new music, a broader fan base (international as well) and producing/instructing/coaching other vocalists. Additionally, I would like to increase my reach through more extensive touring in support of my projects.
Darryl: The future holds the promise of even more new music, a broader fan base (international as well) and producing/instructing/coaching other vocalists. Additionally, I would like to increase my reach through more extensive touring in support of my projects.
