San Francisco, CA — March 24, 2026 — The Ken Okada Group ft. YOYOKA proudly announces the release of their third studio album, CROSSING OVER, a bold and dynamic work that captures the band’s evolving sound at the intersection of jazz, funk, rock and global influences.

Following a series of acclaimed live performances across the United States and Europe, including sold-out shows at SFJAZZ and appearances at major international festivals, CROSSING OVER represents both a musical milestone and a forward-looking statement from the band.

At its core, the album reflects a spirit of exploration—crossing stylistic boundaries, cultural influences, and creative comfort zones. With intricate compositions, deep grooves, and expressive improvisation, the record showcases the group’s chemistry and musical maturity.

The album features:

• Ken Okada – electric bass

• YOYOKA – drums

• Ben Torres – tenor sax

• Hristo Vitchev – guitar

• Murray Low – piano & keyboards

• Shido Soma – guitar (featured on “Oops My Bad”)

The music is driven by Okada’s compositional vision, blending rhythmic sophistication with melodic storytelling. The presence of YOYOKA—whose global recognition as a young drumming phenomenon continues to grow—adds explosive energy and precision throughout the record.

“CROSSING OVER is about pushing past predictability,” says Okada. “In jazz, that’s one of the biggest challenges. You have to break out of familiar patterns and go somewhere new. This album reflects that process—and how the band itself continues to shape where the music goes next.”

The recording process brought together an exceptional production team:

• Recording Engineers: Doug Pohorski, Billy Burke

• Drum Technician: Akifumi Soma

• Mixing: Will Kennedy

• Mastering: Jett Galindo

• Artwork & Design: Kaori Drome

Each track captures a distinct mood, from high-energy fusion to introspective soundscapes, unified by a cohesive sonic identity that bridges tradition and modernity.

With CROSSING OVER, the Ken Okada Group ft. YOYOKA continues to establish itself as a compelling voice in contemporary jazz fusion—one that resonates with both seasoned listeners and new audiences alike.

The album is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.

Listen here: