Darryl Yokley
Boundary-Defying Saxophonist
Tenor saxophonist and composer who transcends genre with inventive compositions and emotionally direct playing.
About
Darryl Yokley II is a critically acclaimed tenor and alto saxophonist, composer, and educator based in New York. Born in Los Angeles in 1982, he initially pursued classical saxophone before dedicating himself to jazz in 2009. As bandleader of Sound Reformation, he has released three albums including the acclaimed Pictures at an African Exhibition (2018) and Un Mundo en Soledad (2024), earning recognition from The New York Times and Downbeat Magazine.
Music Style
Yokley's playing sidesteps standard categorization, blending respect for jazz tradition with fresh, original compositions. His sound is characterized by emotional directness and inventive arrangements that often incorporate literary and cultural themes.
Background
- Hometown
- Los Angeles, California
- Education
- Duquesne University, Michigan State University
- Instruments
- saxophone (tenor), saxophone (alto), saxophone (soprano), flute, clarinet
- Active
- 2009-present
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