It all started out 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 positive. Inspired by this success, they decided to record an album. In the studio they were joined by a percussionist, Ernest Brown, drummer Oleg Butman, 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 flying beneath the radar of the mainstream media ever since, performing at such venues as The Bottom Line, CBGB's, The Knitting Factory, Southpaw, Makor and many others.
In 2001, the band expanded its sound for a seminal show at CBGB's Gallery
with the addition of Trinidadian vocalist Sheldon "Sharky" Williams and a horn section with arrangements by Ruslan Khain
The band's second album, Skora was released in 2004. It's basically a compilation featuring the band in various settings and configurations from the years 2000-2003.
The current lineup of the group came together in late 2004 for an exciting show at the Jewish Heritage Museum, performing on a program with the brilliant Russian-American novelist Gary Shteyngart and Tridruga, a trio led by Gogol Bordello accordionist Yuri Lemeshev featuring noted session players Tony Scher and Brad Shepik.
The group's third album, Pora was released in late 2008.
