Hybrid Jazz - With Music From "Pictures At An African Exhibition!"

Listen, it's true that your host here is happier than usual for wonderful friends and acquaintances who have done well.  But I am particulary over the moon for Darryl Yokley!  This young man has accomplished so much - and he has been patient as his star has risen.  Darryl has one of the most serene outlooks that you can imagine.  In watching him, you cannot help but marvel at his peace as he accepts the praise for his work and musical journey.

A California native that moved to North Carolina in high school, Darryl also spent time in a city that we know well: Philadelphia. And he now lives in New York - where he certainly belongs.  But let's go back a bit.  There's much to say about our amazing guest!  

Starting at ten on clarinet and morphing to sax in middle school, Darryl focused on that instrument and was classically trained on it.  When he decided that his love for Jazz surpassed the roots of his training, there was no turning back.  Undergraduate studies at Duquesne, then onto Michigan State, Darryl had the opportunity to play with legendary Motown groups upon graduation.  He was absorbing the wisdom of fabulous talents like Tim Warfield when he was living in Philly - that was 2007.  Two years later, he was in The Big Apple - and it wasn't long before he was leader in the bands, playing the spots that were worthy of him.  In 2010, he formed Sound Reformation.  Come 2012, Darryl and the group gave us "The Void."  The buzz was serious and sharp ears in the business were listening.  

In 2015, Darryl was commissioned by the Philadelphia Museum of Art to create music for a special exhibition of African American Art.  Which brings us to proudly announce this composer/arranger/educator/clinician and sublime saxophonist's new project: "Pictures At An African Exhibition." :)  See you on 2/28!