DENALI KAUFFMAN
About
Denali (named after the Mountain in Alaska, not the car…) is an artist who expresses honesty and clarity through various musical mediums, embodying sincerity and positivity. His passion for music emerged during his high school years, where he explored both Classical and Jazz genres, transforming his love for music from a hobby into a dedicated career. Collaborations play a vital role in his vision, encompassing songwriting, composition, performance and music direction.
Denali embarked on his musical journey at the age of 5 when he started classical piano lessons. Through his early years, he developed skills in ear training, theory, composition and performance, learning a wide variety of instruments from the recorder to trumpet and percussion. Joining the renowned Tucson Jazz Institute (TJI) in 7th grade, he explored his talents as a pianist, and soon after, took up the trombone seriously, playing in various ensembles at TJI and at his school. At TJI, Denali was mentored by acclaimed clinicians and performers Brice Winston, Scott Black, and Doug Tidaback. His involvement with TJI afforded him opportunities to perform at notable jazz festivals across the United States including the Monterey Jazz Festival, Jazz Educators Network, and the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Competition held at Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) in New York City where Denali continued to impress with his instrumental prowess, receiving an outstanding Doubler award, presented by Wynton Marsalis, for his performance on both piano and trombone. During this time, Denali's musical journey afforded him incredible opportunities to perform alongside eminent musicians such as Christian McBride, Terell Stafford, Dennis Rowland, Rashawn Ross, Chris Crenshaw, Sherman Irby, Marcus Printup, and Lewis Nash.
Denali's talent led him to be accepted into the 2019 JALC’s Summer Jazz Academy program at Bard College, the prestigious 2020 Vail Jazz Workshop, and the 2021 National Youth Jazz Orchestra, where he and his fellow band members had the opportunity of a lifetime to record an album featuring Melissa Aldana, Sean Jones, Wycliffe Gordon and other faculty members of NYO Jazz. In December 2021, he released his debut full-length album titled “Cactus Rose” in collaboration with his longtime friend and fellow member of TJI, Andrew Gioannetti. The album, featuring original compositions and arrangements, serves as a heartfelt tribute to their hometown of Tucson, Arizona. In addition to his performance opportunities, he has received Merit and Honorable Mention awards in Jazz Piano, Trombone, and Composition from the National YoungArts Foundation, among many other local and state jazz festivals in Arizona.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California (USC)’s Thornton School of Music. Denali is under the tutelage of distinguished recording artists such as Russ Ferrante, Bob Mintzer, Alan Pasqua, Jason Goldman, Josh Nelson, Katie Thiroux, and Jon Hatamiya. What’s his focus? to develop his hireability and versatility as a musician entering the vibrant scene of Los Angeles. Denali has recently performed at notable events including the 2022 MOCA Gala and more. He is also a member of the Butter Funk Family, formerly known as the Funky Mama Allstars, where he collaborates with music director and trumpet player Printz Board, a former founding member of the Black Eyed Peas. Additionally, he has participated in various performances with the Yellowjackets, other faculty members, and fellow students from USC.
On August 18th, 2023, Denali released his debut single "Break Asteroids" on streaming. It serves as a milestone for his exploration into new more contemporary styles of jazz and RanB fusion.
Outside of music, Denali is passionate about cooking and has been an advocate for veganism and animal rights since childhood. He also embraces his interests as a Nintendo fan, avid podcast listener, and enthusiast of the great outdoors.