Yoke

There are at least three so-called bands: First is New York Siberian Salsa Swing band formered in 1997, when artist/painter and songwriter Ilias Muratov together with a Music College graduate and bass player, Leo Zanis, decided to form a music group. This group was going to be slightly different than others. Not only will Ilias sing in Russian, but the music would incorporate swing and Latin touches along with modern pop and rock.

First is New York Siberian Salsa Swing band formered in 1997, when artist/painter and songwriter Ilias Muratov together with a Music College graduate and bass player, Leo Zanis, decided to form a music group. This group was going to be slightly different than others. Not only will Ilias sing in Russian, but the music would incorporate swing and Latin touches along with modern pop and rock.

The duo performed in small clubs and cafes in the lower Manhattan area. Though the lyrics were in Russian, the audience response was very good. Inspired by this success, they decided to record an album. In the studio they were joined by a percussionist, Ernest Brown, and a talented arranger/guitarist, Ilan Frid. Ilias's songs are deeply rooted in Russian folk music. With Latin and Afro rhythms and Ilan's background in jazz, pop and rock, the different styles complemented and invigorated one another.

Yoke's first self-titled album was released in March 1999. With no corporate label behind them, they've been on the road promoting since.

The Russian lyrics are a lure to capture the listener while the music vividly draws images, each song a different story, time and place.

(via yoke.tv)


Second band, called "Yoke" was the inaugural moniker of the artist later to become known as Slow Dispenser, Dust vs Stars, and finally Scissors for Sparrow. Yoke has recorded one album, Sofa (1999), and a short EP called Hula Hoop released later the same year. Stylistically, Yoke traversed a number of genres, incorporating rudimentary processing experiments with off-beat pop, quirky electronica, guitar rock and bizarre ballads.

Third, called "YOKE" is Andrew Tamlyn with his new album: "ep". http://yoke.bandcamp.com/