Unkl

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UNKL is a modern jazz band, based in Cleveland, Ohio, and formed around a collaboration between Josh Yellon and Gary Hoopengardner.

Their musical ideas led them to create a band that would encompass modern musical conceptions and influences of traditional masters. Their first performance was in September 1997 at La Pieta in Cleveland. The first group was strongly influenced by the Cleveland Jazz Scene and its main players such as Joe Lovano, Dan Wall, Carmen Castaldi, Jamey Haddad and the Dave Morgen Group. Also drawing from the influences of Steve Coleman's M-Base and Indian Ragas.

Originally the band was a sextet consisting of:

• Josh Yellon - Tenor Saxophon, Soprano, bass and frame drum
• Gary Hoopengardner - Acoustic and Electric Bass
• Alan Baker - Keyboards and percussion
• Crissy Dockrel - Dance
• Misha Petri - Jazz Drums
• Dan Jankowski - Funk Drums

Since then UNKL has included over 30 musicians and artists in their projects.