NEWS
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November 2008
FEATURE INTERVIEW ON JAZZMONTHLY.COM - You can check out the new feature interview with Darren by Smitty Smith at JazzMonthly.com. Darren talks about his early musical influence and how it all started out. Plus, there's some discussion about his upcoming record and all the artists he's working with right now too.... Dave Koz, Eric Darius, Wayman Tisdale, Tim Bowman and others! You can check out the interview at: http://www.jazzmonthly.com/artist_qz/rahn_darren/interviews/darren_rahn_index.html
4 CURRENT TOP TENS, #1, 2 & 3 ON THE COVETED R&R SMOOTH JAZZ CHART AND A PERSONAL NOTE FROM DARREN - "Wow, What an incredible week..... I've had such great opportunities to work with some of the most incredible artists in the smooth jazz genre and just found out that my productions have just gone 1, 2, and 3 on the R&R Smooth Jazz Charts! I've had four in the top ten for the last several weeks - the incredible talents of Wayman Tisdale, Eric Darius, Dave Koz and Tim Bowman.... they're still all in the top ten but I just found out that three of those have gone 1-2-3 including back to back #1's.....
1 - Dave Koz "Life in the Fast Lane"
2 - Eric Darius "Goin' All Out" (previously at #1)
3 - Tim Bowman "Sweet Sundays"
I also personally mixed the number 1 and 2 songs.... I've had number one hits as a producer before but these are my first number 1 mixes as a mix engineer! Just wanted to share my joy with you all...... God has blessed me abundantly and I am very gratetful! These four artists are the best - all incredible musicians, people and friends. And I've also had an incredible cast of supporting session players - Mel Brown, Frank Selman, and my twin brother Jason - you guys are awesome!"
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October 2008
Now Darren has 4 productions in the Top Ten including Three top 5's and both the #1 and #2 songs in the Nation! He also mixed the #1 and #2 Songs.... Dave Koz's "Life in the Fast Lane" and Eric Darius' "Goin' All Out" - and these two songs went to #1 back to back!
De'Nate' UPDATE!!!!! - De'Nate is no longer a duo.... now a threesome -Darren has joined De'Nate as it's third member alongside the very talented Deborah Connors and Nate Harasim.
Darren just finished producing and mixing the new single for new breakout talents De'Nate', a talented twosome of keyboardist/producer Nate Harasim and vocalist Deborah Connors. It is a remake of the classic Eurythmics hit "Sweet Dreams". It is receiving an overwhelming response at radio! Call your local smooth jazz and Pop/AC station to request it!
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September 2008
Darren just finished a Christmas single which will be at radio around Thanksgiving time. It is a very funky remake of the Christmas classic "Angels We Have Heard on High." It can also be found on the NuGroove/Circuit City Holiday Compilation "Grooves for the Season." It features Darren on Sax, Mel Brown on Bass, Frank Selman on Guitar, and Darren's twin brother Jason layin' down a very cool horn section! Check it out at your nearest Circuit City!
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August 2008
Darren has three productions in the R&R top ten this month!!!! And two more in the top 30..... that's 5 total songs on the R&R smooth jazz chart at one time! His productions/collaborations with Dave Koz, Wayman Tisdale and Eric Darius are all currently top ten, his Tim Bowman production "Sweet Sundays" is in the top 20 and moving up.... and his production for pianist Bob Baldwin is currently at 23!
Darren is getting ready to mix his new record.... yes... it's finally almost finished!!!! The first single will be released shortly after the new year! Stay posted for more info!
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July 2008
Darren's new single "On The Rebound" just shipped to radio... be on the lookout for it and call your local smooth jazz station to request it!
The new single Darren just produced and mixed for Dave Koz is off to radio too! It's moving rapidly already and getting a great response from the listeners... It's an original written by Dave and Darren named "Life in the Fast Lane"
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June 2008
One of Darren's productions for his close friend and guitarist Tim Bowman is being released to radio in the next few weeks.... look out for "Sweet Sundays" from this amazingly talented guitarman! It's another classic Tim Bowman tune featuring his fluid playing style and impeccable sense of melody.
Darren is busy finishing writing, producing and mixing 2 new tracks for the new Dave Koz Greatest Hits record.... The record will be out in September...
Darren is producing a new record for Thai Pop Superstar Koh - a great combination of smooth jazz saxophone and Thai Pop Vocals - it will be finished in July and hitting the airwaves in Thailand!
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May 2008
The new Eric Darius single "Goin' All Out" is at radio and rapidly moving up the charts...
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April 2008
Wayman Tisdale's new single "Throwin' It Down" just hit radio and is tearing up the airwaves - you can hear it on your local smooth jazz radio!
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March 2008
Darren is working on his new record this month - busy in the studio.......
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February 2008
Darren just finished 6 killin new tracks for Sax phenom Eric Darius.... The CD will be out in June. Be looking for the first single "Goin' All Out".- you won't want to miss this one - Eric's bringin' the heat on this track!!!
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January 2008
Darren just finished producing several songs for the new Wayman Tisdale cd "Rebound" which wll be at radio in a couple months... the record will be in stores in June! This one's gonna be off the hook! Wayman definitely outdid himself this time around - a true rebound!!! Look for the new radio single "Throwin' It Down" featuring Darren on Tenor Sax- it will be at radio in April.
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October 2007
Darren has just recieved two nominations for the 2008 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards!!! He has been nominated for the Album of the Year category as well as the Wind Instrumentalist of the Year category. You can visit www.canadiansmoothjazzawards.com for more details.
Darren has also been invited to perform at the 2008 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards on March 7, 2008. He will be there alongside many industry greats including Richard Elliot, Warren Hill, Lee Ritenour, Dave Sereny and many others! you can visit www.canadiansmoothjazzawards.com for all the details.
Darren is currently working with fellow nuGroove label-mate Michael Manson on his radio single for his upcoming release due out early in 2008.
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September 2007
BREAKING NEWS!!! - Darren gets signed to NuGroove Records by industry veteran David Chackler. Stay tuned for the official press release. The single, "Breakin' Out", goes to radio in September and the album will be in the stores on October 17th.
Another one of Darren's productions is climbing the Charts! "Slammin" by guitarist and fellow labelmate Jay Soto is currently in the Top 20 and rising.
Darren is starting production on several exciting new records including upcoming releases from Wayman Tisdale and Eric Darius.
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August 2007
Darren is in the studio working with several artists. He is producing tracks for Tim Bowman's upcoming record and is also working on a new single for keyboardist Nate Harasim's upcoming 2008 release.
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July 2007
Darren just finished production on two singles for guitarist Dave Sereny. The first single "Give it o Me Baby" is hitting the airwaves across the nation this month!
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June 2007
Darren is finishing production on three songs for Thai saxophone star KOH.
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January - May 2007
Wow - what a crazy year it's been already - Lot's of cool new things happening already in 2007. For the first several months of the year Darren will be finishing production for the new CD by the incredibly talented Taro Gold. This is a massive effort - an extremely diverse pop record hosting a very impressive array of musicians. It will be released in Japan. It is being mixed by industry giant Goh Hotoda. Darren is producing 9 tunes on this amazing project!
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December 2006
Another one of Darren's productions for Wayman Tisdale is climbing the charts. Call your local radio station and request Wayman's new single "Way Up" featuring Darren on sax!
Join Darren for the release of the new compilation CD for Smooth Jazz 104.3 Denver on December 15th at Cool River Cafe in the Denver Tech Center. Darren will be there from 5-7pm performing with his full band. Darren produced several tracks on this new compilation.
Darren is busy working on the new CD scheduled for release in 2007. There's a lot of work left but it's shaping up to be an extremely fun and exciting CD.
Darren just finished mixing a new CD for the extremely talented new saxophonist Phillip Martin. Phillip's new CD "Pride & Joy" is slated for release in 2007. Keep your eyes peeled for this young sax phenom!
Darren was recently invited to sit in with smooth jazz superstar Najee the the Soiled Dove Underground. Here's a picture from this memorable evening. Najee put on an incredible show!
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October 2006
NUMBER ONE - Wayman Tisdale's new CD "Way Up" is a bonified #1 Billboard album! Darren produced and played on half of the CD available from Rendezvous Entertainment
SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS - In the upcoming sideman issue of Smooth Jazz News you can read a feature article about Darren talking about his experiences as a solo artist, producer, and sideman.
A NEW CD IN THE WORKS - Darren has begun work on a new solo record which is due for release in 2007. More info about the release date will be posted at www.darrenrahn.com as soon as it becomes available.
A STAR IN THE FAMILY - Special congratulations to Darren's sister Andrea who was just selected as the Washington State Teacher of the Year!!! A huge accomplishment - Congrats Andrea!!!!
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June 2006
Darren's new Photo Gallery is up! Click on the "PHOTOS" page to check it out.
Darren's just finished producing and playing on Jonathan Butler's new radio single entitled "Mandela Bay" featuring the Rendezvous All-Stars - Kirk Whalum, Wayman Tisdale, and Brian Simpson. It will be on the air any day now!
Darren was just invited to play the main stage at the Jazztrax Catalina Island Jazz Festival on October 7th. Check out the "TOUR" page for more info.
Darren is now endorsing MARCA reeds. Find out more on the "EQUIPMENT" page.
The radio single Darren produced for Wayman Tisdale is playing nationwide and is steadily climbing the charts. Call your local smooth jazz staion and request Wayman Tisdale's new song "Get Down On It" featuring Darren on sax!
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April 2006
WAYMAN TISDALE'S NEW SINGLE - Be checking the radio waves for Wayman Tisdale's new Radio single. It will be hitting the airwaves this month! It is a remake of the Kool & The Gang Classic "Get Down On It." In addition to producing this track, Darren is also featured on saxophone on this song.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE WITH VICKIE WINANS AN TIM BOWMAN - Darren will be performing a very special one time event this weekend with gospel great Vickie Winans and guitarist Tim Bowman. It will be Sunday evening, April 9th at Richmond Christian Center in Richmond, VA.
ERIC DARIUS AT JAZZ@JACK'S - You've heard the new single Darren produced for this young sax phenom, so come on down to Jazz@Jack's next Thursday, April 14th and hear the single performed live by one of the best young saxophonists today.
SMOOTH JAZZ SOUNDS OF SPRING - Don't miss this opportunity to see some of the best artists in smooth jazz right here in Denver. This new concert series will be at the new Jazz@Jack's at the Denver Pavilions. It will feature nationally acclaimed recording artists Marion Meadows, Gregg Karrukas, Kevin Toney, and Ken Navarro. Darren will be playing sax with Gregg Karrukas on the May 11th performance. Concert Dates will be in May and June and will benifit Elijah's Rainbow, a non-profit organization to help medically challenged children. For ticket purchase, go to www.vbass.com or www.jazzatjacks.com - you can also buy tickets at any King Soopers location for the "Smooth Jazz Sounds of Spring."
IN THE STUDIO - Darren has been in the studio working with up and coming smooth jazz guitarist Jay Soto. Alongside industry heavyweights Paul Brown and Jeff Lorber, Darren is producing 5 songs on Jay's new CD. Keep your eye out for this young talent - you'll definitely be hearing more about him!
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February 2006
Darren will be at the P. Mauriat Saxophone booth at the Musikmesse show next month in Frankfurt, Germany. He will be there for the entire show from March 29th til April 1st, 2006. Stop by and say hello! You can also get a closer look at the saxophones Darren is endorsing.
Darren just finished producing 5 songs for Wayman Tisdale's new CD which is due out in early summer. Also - Look for Eric Darius' new radio single "Steppin' Up" which was also produced by Darren. It is now on the airwaves nationwide and is also doing well on the charts - call your local smooth jazz station and be sure to request it.
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-November 2005 -
Lots of news! Darren's new website is up & there are a lot of updates in the works. You can also listen to a few songs from the new CD while you're browsing the site. There will be a lot of new info going up over the next several weeks.
Darren just returned from a three week trip to Asia where he played in Bangkok, Tokyo, and Taipei. He recorded 2 songs with Thailand's renowned saxophonist Koh (Mr. Saxman) for his upcoming 2006 CD release. He is also currently doing production on another track for Koh's upcoming CD. Darren also spent four days at the Japan Music Exhibition in Yokohama with P. Mauriat Saxophones where he performed and signed a lot of autographs for the show-goers.
Darren is currently working on several tracks for Wayman Tisdale's upcoming CD for Rendezvous Entertainment. He also just finished producing 6 songs for Smooth Jazz saxophonist Eric Darius' new release on the Narada Jazz label. Both CD's will be released in 2006.
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You can now find Darren's Music at:
www.iTunes.com - downloads
www.eMusic.com - downloads
Also available at MSN, Napster, Rhapsody, Starbucks digital kiosks and other sites
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- August 2005 -
Darren is now endorsing P. Mauriat Saxophones. In an interview for the September 2005 issue Thailand's Jazzseen magazine, Darren talks about his experience with the P. Mauriat saxophones. CLICK HERE to read the full article (PDF file - English Translation). You can visit www.monteverdemusic.com to find out more about these saxophones.
Darren just returned from the 2005 Summer NAMM shown in Indianapolis where he performed at the P. Mauriat Saxophone booth. Here are some pictures:
Playing the new Burnished Brass Tenor. Two master saxophonists are in the background. That's master mouthpiece maker and jazz saxophonist Peter Ponzol visiting with renowned classical saxophonist Roger Greenberg.
Posing with a fellow saxophonist and P. Mauriat Saxophone fan.
The P. Mauriat Crew! Roger Greenberg (left), Darren (middle), and Alex Hsieh (right) the owner/maker of P. Mauriat Saxophones.
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- July 2005 -
Lots of stuff going on lately. Darren has finished his new CD "Once In A Lifetime" featuring some of the biggest names in the smooth jazz industry including Dave Koz, Jeff Lorber, and Wayman Tisdale. It is available on I-Tunes, Amazon.com, and Best Buy.com
Darren's CD Release Party is scheduled for August 4th at Patrick's in Aurora. Visit the "Appearances" page for more details. The band will be performing a brand new show featuring music from the new CD. Keep your radio dial set to Smooth Jazz 104.3 FM for your chance to win a free copy of Darren's new CD along with free tickets to the CD Release Party!
Darren and his wife just welcomed their first child into the world. A beautiful healthy baby boy named Kevin born on June 2, 2005.
Darren just had the opportunity to play sax with smooth jazz superstar Brian Culbertson at the Old Pasadena Jazz Festival. Here are some pics from the event:
Brian and Darren performing on stage
Horn Section blowin' with Brian on the Jumbotron Screen
Brian playin' with the Horn Section on the Jumbotron Screen
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- April 2005 -
Darren has been hard at work in the studio and is finally finished with his new CD! It is currently at manufacturing and is awaiting release. Darren is joined by several special guests including superstars Dave Koz, Jeff Lorber and Wayman Tisdale. You will also hear contributions on the record by the guys in the band as well as several other mainstays in the smooth jazz industry. We'll let you know as soon as the record is available for purchase.
Darren will be on the road this year will guitarist Tim Bowman whose huge hit "Summer Groove" recently went #1 on the R&R Smooth Jazz chart. You can get info on those dates on Darren's "appearances" page as dates become available.
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- November 2004 -
Wow - Lots of amazing stuff going on. Darren just got his first#1 hit as a producer on Radio & Records Smooth Jazz chart. It was with Wayman Tisdale's tune "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now", a remake of the McFadden & Whitehead classic. It went #1 passing up some pretty heavy competition. In addition to producing it, he also played sax on it. Mel Brown is laying the bass down heavy for Wayman to soar over top of. The guys in the band were all a part of the tune as well. Frank Selman played the funky guitar while Wayne Patterson laid down the high hat part and the ride cymbal. Jason Atkins and Marvin Craft were singin' background vocals along with Shauna Chanda, Yvonne Brown, and Betsy Ruckard. Darren's twin brother Jason played trumpet in the horn section. You can check out a screen capture of the R&R chart below.
Mel Brown and Darren are back at it again. They are currently in the studio cookin' up a few surprises for Mel's upcoming CD as well as Darren's new album. You can check Mel's Website for more information when his CD is finished. It will be a minute - but it will definitely be worth the wait!
You can listen to Darren's saxophone on Taylor Mesple's new instrumental solo record. This album is an amazing and introspective collection of instrumental jazz. You can check it out and get more info at www.taylormesple.com
Darren just finished producing three songs for guitarist Anthony James Baker. You can visit Anthony online at www.anthonyjamesbaker.com
Darren recently finished producing several Station ID Jingles for 81.3FM J-Wave in Tokyo, Japan. Darren got to work with many talented musicians on this project including the amazing Jeffrey Osborne and Phil Perry. J-Wave is the largest FM station in Tokyo serving over 35 million listeners. These were done in partnership with Dave Koz's record label Rendezvous Entertainment.
Darren is currently producing two songs for best selling author Taro Gold. You can visit Taro's Website for more info as it becomes available. Taro is pursuing his life long dream of stepping into the music world!
You can catch Darren's saxophone along with Eric Marienthal and many other great musicians on the new Bobby Wells release "Bayside." His long awaited album is finally here and you can get all the details at www.bobbywellsmusic.com
Darren just finished recording, playing, and mixing a new CD for Gospel artist Rachel Washington. Her new CD "Spiritually Unpredictable" will be available very soon. R&B, Rap, Pop - this album incorporates a great variety of talent. You can get more info at www.rachelwashington.com
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- July 2004 -
EXCITING NEWS - Darren just finished producing and playing sax on Wayman Tisdale's new radio single for Dave Koz's new record label, Rendezvous Entertainment. It is playing on the air nationwide right now and is movin' up the smooth jazz charts! Call your local smooth jazz station and request "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" - the new single by Wayman Tisdale. For those of you in Denver, you can call the CD104.3FM request line at 303-631-2104. Wayman's new CD "Hang Time" will be in stores on July 13th.
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- January 2004 -
Wow! It's been a while. The band is looking forward to many great performances this year and are starting off the New Years with several great gigs. You can click on the "Appearances" at the top of the page for specific dates and times. We look forward to seeing you at the performances!
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- July 2003 -
The band has been very busy lately and we had an awesome turnout at the Breckenridge Genuine Jazz Festival. What a great time we had playing for everyone there!
My new CD with Taylor Mesple' named "Instrumental Prayers & Reflections" is finished and available online. CLICK HERE for more info.
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- April thru June 2003 -
I have been hard at work finishing the new CD by Shauna Chanda entitled "From Me To You" available at www.shaunachanda.com
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- March 2003 -
I am continuing work on my CD project which is due out this summer. Stay tuned for the latest!
Announcing the release of Nelson Rangell's CD "Look Again." I just finished producing and recording a song the new CD. The song is entitled "With All My Heart."
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- February 2003 -
Taylor Mesple' and I have just finished our brand new CD. It will be sent out for manufacturing very soon - we will post details when it is back from manufacturing and ready for release.
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- January 2003 -
01-20-03 - My song "Heartbreak" has just gone #1 on MP3.com's smooth jazz download charts.
Taylor Mesple' and I will be doing an instrumental CD together this month. It will be solo piano and saxophone. Stay tuned for more details and release info.
Work has begun on my new solo CD. It is scheduled to be released this summer if all goes well.
I just finished mixing a new Gospel, R&B album for the talented Rachel Washington. When the CD becomes available I will post the link here.
I just finished a 2 song demo for Uri Hoffman. Keep your ears open for his name. You are sure to be hearing more about this 17 year-old up and coming pop sensation!
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Things have been extremely busy at Darren's studio "The Litterbox." Check out the new studio pictures by clicking HERE.
I just finished producing and recording a song on Nelson Rangell's upcoming CD. It is due out shortly after the new year. The song is entitled "With All Of My Heart." This album is sure to do great on the smooth jazz charts. Nelson is definitely one of the genre's best saxophonists.
Shauna Chanda's new CD is here! You can order it and get more info at www.ShaunaChanda.com
NEW MP3.com Website is up!!!!
New Pictures Page is Up - Just click on the "PICTURES" tab on the left side of the website.
I have released a Special Edition Pre-Release CD which is available to order online. Click on the "MERCHANDISE" tab on the left side of the website for more info.
I have just finished producing a CD for Chad Michael Wright. Chad is a multi-talented musician/songwriter currently based in Denver/Colorado. CLICK HERE to check out his website and order his new CD.
Work on my own solo CD has begun. The release is not yet scheduled, but it is finally going to happen. Stay tuned for more details!
- Yellowjackets Pics Below!!!
The Yellowjackets paid me a visit in my studio while rehearsing for their new live double CD "Mint Jam." After a performance at the 2000 Winter Park Jazz Festival, they headed straight for my studio where they spent the afternoon rehearsing for the live recording. The new tunes are incredible. You can order a copy of "Mint Jam" at their website by clicking HERE
Here are some pics:
Darren's new song "Mr. Coltrane", co-written and performed with bassist Mel Brown, has recently been released by Jimmy Haslip on his new benefit CD "Junction, Union Station". This CD includes two live Yellowjackets tracks which are previously unrecorded, featuring Marc Russo on sax, and William Kennedy on drums. Click Here to check it out.
Darren's recently wrote and produced two tunes on Nelson Rangell's latest album, "Far Away Day".