Dylan Cramer
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Dylan Cramer

About

Born on January 21st, 1958 in North Vancouver, BC, Canada, alto saxophonist Dylan Cramer started his journey on the saxophone at age 13, after the sudden suicidal death of his father.

Four years later, Cramer’s best friend introduced him to a record by jazz alto saxophonist Sonny Criss. Hearing Sonny’s passionate sound and virtuoso technique instantly changed Cramer’s life, and he made up his mind then and there to find Sonny and study with him.

At 19 years old, Dylan made the trip from Canada to Los Angeles to meet Sonny. What followed was eight months of incredible joy for Cramer, as he not only studied with Sonny but shared a very close relationship with him. Then, tragically, on November 19th, 1977, Sonny Criss committed suicide, leaving Cramer devastated and heartbroken.

Unsure of what to do or where to go next, Dylan received a huge break from Dick Grove, who ran a music workshop school in Studio City where Cramer was taking a few classes. With Dick’s help, Cramer was introduced to Phil Sobel, one of L.A.’s finest studio musicians and a teacher of the highest calibre.

Working with Phil was a monumental turning point in Dylan’s life. He spent eight gruelling, insightful years under Sobel’s tutelage and credits Phil with saving his life, both as an artist and as a man.

After his time with Phil, Cramer returned to Canada, where he began his teaching and recording career.  

Since then he has recorded five albums, plays regularly with his jazz trio, and teaches the saxophone full time.  

In 2019, he published his first book, "Alto Saxophone Mastery," which outlines his teaching methods along with several anecdotes from his time with both Sonny and Phil. Since then, he has published three more books: “Chasing My Father,” “Flute Artistry,” and “Cold Spaghetti.” He is currently working on a new recording and a new book.

Artistry

Bumpin'
Dylan Cramer Quartet
Clouds
Dylan Cramer Quartet
Saturday Morning
Dylan Cramer Quartet
“This young alto saxophonist possesses the fluidity and velvety tone witnessed by the late saxophonists Paul Desmond and Stan Getz.”
— All About Jazz
“Dylan Cramer puts on a clinic on the art of jazz playing.”
— The Vancouver Sun
“You got a big sound, boy - Sonny taught you good.”
— Leroy “The Walker” Vinnegar

Music / Writing 

Featured
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Blue Prelude
CA$0.00

Digital Download

  1. A Different Corner (Michael) 3:21

  2. I Can Let Go Now (McDonald) 2:23

  3. To Be Forgiven (Michael) 4:13

  4. Moonlight Serenade (Miller / Parish) 2:45

  5. The Secret Life of Plants (Wonder) 4:26

  6. You Must Love Me (Lloyd Webber / Rice) 2:41

  7. Back to Black (Winehouse / Ronson) 4:25

  8. How About Me (Berlin) 4:19

  9. Blue Prelude (Jenkins / Bishop) 5:27

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Remembering Sonny Criss
Remembering Sonny Criss
CA$7.99

Digital Download.

  1. Saturday Morning (Criss) 5:28

  2. I Thought About You (Mercer / Van Heusen) 3:52

  3. The Dreamer (Criss) 5:50

  4. The Isle of Celia (Tapscott) 5:11

  5. Ham’s Blues (Criss) 2:44

  6. Brother Can You Spare A Dime (Harburg, Gorney) 3:21

  7. Tin Tin Deo (Pozo, Fuller) 6:18

  8. My Ideal (Chase, Whiting / Robin) 4:38

  9. Jeannie’s Knees (Criss) 6:45

  10. The First One (Criss) 2:25

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All Night Long
All Night Long
CA$7.99

Digital Download.

  1. Caruso (Dalla) 3:21

  2. Estate (Martino / Brighetti) 4:43

  3. Bumpin’ (Montgomery) 7:45

  4. Black Orpheus (Bonfa) 5:17

  5. All Night Long (Lewis) 5:35

  6. Stolen Moments (Nelson) 5:06

  7. Lover Man (Davis / Ramirez / Sherman) 5:01

  8. Clouds (Ferreira / Einhorn) 3:32

  9. My Funny Valentine (Rodgers / Hart) 3:01

  10. So What (Davis) 6:48

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Bumpin' on Sunset
Bumpin' on Sunset
CA$7.99

Digital Download.

  1. E Preciso Perdoar (Conqueijo / Luiz) 5:05

  2. Bumpin’ On Sunset (Montgomery) 5:27

  3. Theme From A Fistful Of Dollars (Morricone) 4:14

  4. Europa (Santana / Coster) 3:48

  5. Triste (Jobim) 4:33

  6. Until The Real Thing Come Along (Hollner / Nichols / Cahn / Chaplin) 5:35

  7. Love Theme From Blade Runner (Vangelis) 3:51

  8. Full House (Montgomery) 3:55

  9. Creepin’ (Wonder) 5:34

  10. Groove Yard (Perkins) 3:26

  11. E Chiove (Amoruso / Cirillo) 4:18

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Alto
Alto
CA$7.99

Digital Download.

  1. Sweet Summer Breeze (Lewis / Vallée) 5:35

  2. Body Heat (Barry) 5:31

  3. Mighty Low (Buckner) 5:27

  4. Send One Your Love (Wonder) 3:54

  5. Django (Lewis) 5:52

  6. Samba Pa Ti (Santana) 4:40

  7. Midnight Mellow (Criss) 7:38

  8. Maputo (Miller) 4:06

  9. La Playa (Van Wetter) 5:19

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Alto Saxophone Mastery
Alto Saxophone Mastery
CA$17.99

Paperback.

DYLAN CRAMER has been obsessed with the alto saxophone for over four decades. Cramer took up the alto at age thirteen, after the sudden death of his father. Six years later, he traveled from Vancouver, B.C. to Los Angeles to seek out and study with legendary jazz alto saxophonist Sonny Criss. After Sonny’s death, Cramer moved on to study with one of LA’s finest woodwind players and studio musicians, Phil Sobel. Since returning to Vancouver, Cramer has recorded five albums, performs regularly with his jazz quartet, and teaches the saxophone full time. In ALTO SAXOPHONE MASTERY, Cramer provides an exemplary collection of principles and guidelines set down from a lifetime of playing and teaching. Cramer devotes his advice to the alto saxophonist based on positioning, air delivery, and finger expertise. He then tackles specific topics such as vibrato, nuance, phrasing, interpretation, and improvisation. Many of the book’s chapters are illuminated by anecdotes of his time spent with both Criss and Sobel. Receiving improper instruction from the outset can be disastrous for the alto saxophonist. As Cramer says, “The alto saxophone is a machine; learn to operate it first, and then and only then, move to the music at hand.” With this book, aspiring saxophonists everywhere will have the benefit of Cramer’s expert guidance and methods in their quest for alto saxophone mastery.

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Chasing My Father
Chasing My Father
CA$7.99
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Cold Spaghetti
Cold Spaghetti
CA$7.99
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Flute Artistry
Flute Artistry
CA$7.99
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Lessons

Dylan offers private lessons on saxophone, flute, clarinet, violin, and all other band instruments. 

  • All ages and levels are welcome. 

  • Music lessons are offered at the Kerrisdale Community Centre in Vancouver. In-home lessons are also available.

Hire Dylan

  • Dylan is available for performances as a solo artist or wth his duo, trio, or quartet. If interested, please email Dylan at dcaltosax@gmail.com

Upcoming Gigs

Contact

To connect with Dylan, please email dcaltosax@gmail.com or text 604-318-1157

 Links

Ron Rambach is one of the hippest cats I’ve ever known and a tour de force in the jazz industry. Over the past few years we have become very close friends, especially due to his love of Sonny Criss. Check out all the great artists that are a part of his Blue Note family and add to your vinyl collection today at:

musicmattersjazz.com

Sandro Massullo has been my saxophone repairman for the past 38 years. During that time, he has been nothing short of superb and has rescued my horn several times, He is honest, pays attention to detail and never gouges with his pricing. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for an amazing repairman and human being! Check him out at:

https://massullomusic.com

Nagel-Heyer Records has been a supporter of mine for the past 28 years, since they first released “All Night Long.” I am very appreciative of Frank Nagel-Heyer for both believing in me and taking a chance on me. Thanks as well to Sabine Nagel-Heyer for her constant support. Check out the many classic recordings they have produced over the years, and, in particular, their album featuring the music of Sonny Criss!

https://nagelheyer.bandcamp.com/artists

Michael Creber is an outstanding pianist, arranger, composer and person that I have been working with for the past dozen years. His improvisations are astounding, oftentimes leaving me speechless. His accompaniments are always thoughtful and, most importantly, he really listens to what I am doing and tries to compliment my ideas, something few accompanists do. Michael is also an incredibly kind, warm, funny person who deeply cares about people. He has shown nothing but love towards me and my family, always supporting us in our life and times. If you are looking to work with an amazing pianist, in any genre, or are looking for someone to compose a film score or arrange something for you, Michael is your man! I guarantee you will receive the highest standard possible from Michael. He is extraordinary!

https://michaelcreber.com/

Testimonials

“Dylan is the best teacher I’ve ever had, hands down.”
— Charlotte C
“Through it all, the distinctive, passionate sound of Cramer’s alto remains steadfast, irrespective of tempo. Assuming he gets more exposure, his signature sound will become immediately recognizable.”
— All Music Guide
“You have the three things every great player must have: sound, time, and feeling.”
— Russ Garcia
“Dylan Cramer plays with a deliberate joy and capability that reveals both his practice and dedication. There is no fault to be found in Cramer’s beautiful tone and song choices.”
— ALL ABOUT JAZZ
“You are the best music teacher in the whole world. You play the most simple songs and make them sound like they are the most beautiful songs ever!”
— Pippa H
“Cramer shows convincingly that a beautifully developed sound is sometimes worth more than a thousand notes.”
— CADENCE MAGAZINE
“I had a lot of technical and academic instructors after you, but learning how to play from your soul is something I learned from you and is the most valuable lesson of all! Thanks, teach!”
— Alvin Cornista
“As did Criss, Cramer plays the alto using clean, vigorous lines, often of breathtaking technical brilliance.”
— CODA MAGAZINE
“While I was in Whistler for the music festival I was lucky enough enough to have a workshop with you. My experience at the festival had a huge effect on me and you had a lot to do with that. I really admired how straight forward you were with everyone when you said “If you don’t love the saxophone, then quit!” I thought about that for a long time and decided I just couldn’t imagine my life without the saxophone. At the end of the class when you started playing along to a recording I was taken aback. Your sound was more than words could describe. It was the perfect saxophone sound. After listening to all three of your cds, I was so inspired I went out and bought some of Sonny Criss’s albums. All three of your cds are absolutely amazing. In particular, “Remembering Sonny Criss.” It’s a brilliant album and you capture his sound so beautifully. You’ve inspired me to look at my saxophone in an entirely new way, to try new sounds and experiment with different techniques. Thank you for sharing your sound with me and inspiring me to become a better saxophonist. I am in love with your sound.”
— Emily Green
“Dylan Cramer is a talent worth seeking out, and so much the better if his records lead you to Sonny Criss. The music of teacher and pupil is the perfect antidote to the strident sounds of other young players blindly stumbling after some elusive new thing.”
— JAZZ 52ND STREET
“You are the best of the best, brother!”
— Ron Rambach Music Matters Jazz
“You put the soul back in jazz”
— David Sherr
“You sound more like Sonny than Sonny does!”
— Chuck Niles KLON-FM
“You sound just like my father. Thank you”
— Steven Criss