Darryl Yokley facts for kids

Darryl Yokley is a talented American saxophonist and composer.

Darryl Yokley II was born on February 2, 1982, in Los Angeles, California. He is an American saxophonist, composer, and music teacher. Darryl first studied classical saxophone. Later, he began learning jazz music.

As the leader of his band, Sound Reformation, Yokley is known for his creative music. His band released their first album, The Void, in 2012. Their second album, Pictures at an African Exhibition, came out in 2018. Darryl has performed with famous groups like The Four Tops and The Temptations. He has also played with many other great musicians.

Darryl's Musical Journey

Yokley started playing music in California when he was ten. He began with the clarinet. A year later, in middle school, he switched to the saxophone. He quickly became very good at the saxophone. He played in special honors bands for both classical and jazz music.

In high school, Darryl moved to North Carolina. There, he met James Houlik, who would become his saxophone teacher. In 1997, Darryl decided to focus only on classical saxophone. It was ten years later that he fully returned to jazz. He went to Duquesne University and then Michigan State University for his studies. He learned from teachers like James Houlik, Mike Tomaro, Joseph Lulloff, and Derrick Gardner.

Playing with Legends

After college, Darryl started touring with famous Motown groups. These included the Four Tops, the Temptations, and the O'Jays. In 2007, he moved to Philadelphia. There, he learned from many experienced musicians. He often performed in Philadelphia.

In 2009, Darryl moved to New York. Since then, he has played with many well-known artists. Some of these include Eddie Palmieri and Orrin Evans. He was also part of the horn section for the Captain Black Big Band. He also arranged music for singer-songwriter Rhonda Ross.

Sound Reformation and New Projects

Darryl Yokley started his own band, Sound Reformation, in 2010. Their first album, The Void, was released in 2012. Music critics gave it good reviews. In 2015, the band performed a special project. It was for the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Critics and audiences loved it.

Darryl often performs in New York City. He was a special guest at the 17th Arpa International Film Festival. He has also played for the legendary musician and producer Quincy Jones. Darryl has performed all over the world. He has played in South America, Europe, and Japan. He also plays as a solo artist and with other musicians. He works with pianist Kyle Walker.

In 2018, Sound Reformation released their second album. It was called Pictures at an African Exhibition. This project also featured artwork by British artist David Emmanuel Noel. The album became very popular. It was written about in the New York Times. It also received a great review in Downbeat Magazine. This success led to performances at the Kennedy Center in 2019. The band has also toured the East Coast and West Coast.

Teaching and Helping Others

Darryl Yokley is also a dedicated teacher. He teaches students of all ages and skill levels. He helps them find their own way to play instruments. These include the saxophone, clarinet, and flute. He also travels to teach workshops across the country. Since 2021, he has been the operations manager for Truth Revolution Recording Collective. This group helps other musicians.

Music Albums

• 2010: The Captain Black Big Band
• 2012: Darryl Yokley's Sound Reformation - The Void
• 2012: Together presented by Truth Revolution Records
• 2016: Rhonda Ross- In Case You Didn't Know
• 2018: Darryl Yokley's Sound Reformation - Pictures at an African Exhibition
• 2021: Spiritual Jazz 13 NOW!Part One/ Modern Sounds for the 21st Century
• 2021: Truth Revolution Recording Collective- Together Again
• 2023: Voices of my People- We R The Church