If you’ve only been playing since beginning of this year then you are doing very good. I don’t find your tone to be dark at all.
The Claude Lakey you’re using is actually one of the more open mouthpieces for alto so stay with it a bit longer and then try the
7*3 later on if you have access to one.
Listening to your recordings I think you are on the right track and can continue to improve by doing the following:
1. spend more time playing long tones
https://howtoplaysaxophone.org/long-notes
2. practice your breathing technique
https://howtoplaysaxophone.org/breathing
these exercises will help you to develop your tone and make it brighter and bigger.
It takes time, practice and patience. I think your equipment is fine, just do the exercises recommended for now!
good luck
Johnny
