York Music Forum

🎵 Album of the Week: Could We Be More — Kokoroko

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Album Of The Week doesn't always have to be a 'classic album'. We are looking at a modern masterpiece of horn-led groove music. Kokoroko is an 8-piece powerhouse band from London that has completely revitalized the modern scene. On their brilliant studio album, Could We Be More, they blend traditional jazz improvisation with the heavy, hypnotic, head-nodding rhythms of Afrobeat, funk, and soul. Led by a stellar front-line horn section, this record is 100% clean, vibrant, and packed with incredible melodies.

What to listen for: Check out the track 'We Give Thanks' or 'Tojo'. For the horn players, this album is a masterclass in section playing. Listen to how the trumpet, saxophone, and trombone blend together to play massive, unforgettable unison hooks - it is all about power, timing, and warmth rather than just playing fast notes. For the rhythm section, listen to the layer of percussion underneath the drums. The guitars and bass lock into continuous, danceable loops that give the horns a huge foundation to fly over.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/48e8LFqiVUxumlXDIVyNYl?si=cbcoQRAgS9qatYf-C5Y_bA

Could We Be More Kokoroko · album · 2022 · 15 songs

I’ve added some great improvements in our Musician’s Toolbox! It’s redesigned with a ‘mobile 1st’ approach. All the sounds are an authentic acoustic piano and I’ve fixed a few ‘accidental convention’ issues/gliches. It’s a much better/fun learning tool now… Ian https://ymf-toolbox.lovable.app and it’s still free for anyone to use!

ymf-toolbox.lovable.app

Album Of The Week
Wayne Shorter is arguably the greatest composer in jazz history, and this album is his masterpiece. Recorded in 1964 but released in 1966, Speak No Evil moves away from the aggressive 'fire' of other 60s records and moves into a world of mystery and folklore. It features an incredible lineup, including Herbie Hancock on piano and Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, creating a sound that feels like a dark, sophisticated film score.
What to listen for: The title track, 'Speak No Evil', has one of the most famous melodies in jazz - it’s haunting and cool. For the horn players, listen to how Wayne Shorter doesn't just play fast scales; he tells a story with long notes and unusual intervals. For the rhythm section, notice how Herbie Hancock uses 'space' - he doesn't play on every beat, allowing the music to breathe and feel 'dreamy'. This album proves that jazz can be intellectual and incredibly catchy at the same time.

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🎵 Album of the Week: The Sidewinder — Lee Morgan. Listen at…

https://ymf-listening-lounge.lovable.app

If you want to hear the exact moment jazz met the 'soul' of the 1960s, this is it. Lee Morgan was a trumpet prodigy who joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers at just 18, but The Sidewinder was his breakout masterpiece as a leader. The title track became an unlikely crossover hit on the pop charts, legendary for its infectious, 'boogaloo' beat and Morgan’s swaggering, bluesy trumpet lines.

What to listen for: The opening track, 'The Sidewinder' is a masterclass in how to play 'in the pocket' - notice how the rhythm section creates a groove that feels impossible not to nod along to. For the horn players, listen to Morgan’s 'half-valve' techniques and his incredible use of dynamics; he makes the trumpet sound like it’s laughing and talking. This album saved the Blue Note record label from bankruptcy and redefined the 'cool' sound of the decade. It’s essential listening for anyone who wants to understand how jazz can be both intellectually complex and a total party.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1n1trPeeY9Q5H4eLbbHHRg?si=lwDTBAMZQ7GUh2qLaAI2Zw

The Sidewinder (The Rudy Van Gelder Edition) Lee Morgan · album · 1964 · 6 songs

We are proud to announce the launch of the YMF Listening Lounge - a curated digital archive and educational resource dedicated to the history and evolution of jazz.

From 1920s New Orleans roots to the cutting-edge post-2000s scene, the Lounge provides a roadmap of the music that defines our ensemble.

What is inside:

Instrument Collections: Masterclass playlists for every section, from Alto Sax to Trombone and the Rhythm Section.

Contextual History: Brief backstories on the legends who shaped the sound.

Album of the Week: We are kicking things off with Michael Brecker’s modern masterpiece, Tales from the Hudson (1996).

How to Access:

Members: Access the Lounge via the YMF Member Hub landing page. (Please fully close and restart your app to see the new link).

Non-Members & Friends: You can explore the collection directly at: ymf-listening-lounge.lovable.app

At YMF, we believe the more we listen together, the better we play together.

Drum kit overhaul completed! Thanks Dave Hardy for such a great job. Ian

Our new custom bass drum front has arrived (not much more than a plain one). All part of the refurbishment of our original Yamaha kit. Always trying to improve our gear to improve everyone’s Forum experience. Ian

Just updated the ‘Achievements’ section of our website to include the Youth Jazz Ensemble’s success at the 2026 Great North Big Band Jazz Festival. ‘Winning Band’, ‘Best Section’ (our rhythm section) and Joel being awarded ‘Best Drummer’, just in case you didn’t know! The band works so hard to achieve high standards and we should always celebrate that! Ian

So today was the Great North Big Band Jazz Festival in Chester-le-Street but this time featuring the Youth Jazz Ensemble AND Next Wave in the Youth Section. The YJE won ‘Winning Band’, the rhythm section won ‘Best Section’ and Joel won the ‘Best Drummer’ prize. That’s all great and everything but I’m most chuffed about the performance and adjudicator’s comments for Next Wave - 2nd gig ever and did wonderfully well! Here’s all the comments and some pics. Well done the Forum family!! Thanks to parents/supporters for all their ferrying about and to for providing such a great event! Ian

On Sunday both the Youth Jazz Ensemble and, separately, our only-a few-months-old Next Wave Youth Jazz Ensembles will be taking part in the Great North Big Band Jazz Festival. Last year went pretty well so let’s see how we get on this time… looking forward to it! Ian