Lost Coast
Marimbas
Lost Coast Marimbas
are a unique, dynamic ensemble that blends a
variety of musical styles with innovative instruments to produce
a stirring, enchanting sound that inspires audiences of all
ages. The band has an enthusiastic approach to popular music
that encourages creative expression by combining rock & roll,
jazz, reggae and world beat. Established in 1993, the Lost
Coast Marimbas have been lighting up the Northern California
local music scene for over ten years with their melodic pulse
and rhythmic groove.
Lost Coast Marimbas
enjoy a rich and colorful history among a lively cast of
energetic members who combine social awareness, cultural
diversity and vibrant sound in their music. The roots of the
band were formed as early as 1986 with the groups Garberville
Marimba Band and Los Hombres and several of
the original musicians have continued playing together
throughout the years. The Garberville Marimba Band
produced the compilation “Emerald Forest” in 1991, which
generated success both nationally and internationally and will
be re-released in the coming year.
Lost Coast
Marimbas have just released a new CD with 11 tracks that
capture much of the prime material of the last several years.
The CD is entitled Lost Coast Marimbas and is receiving
frequent airtime at local radio stations and was well-promoted
during the 2005 north coast festival circuit.
Lost Coast Marimbas
explore numerous elements of music by composing on a variety of
uncommon, culturally diverse instruments. They create their
unique sound by integrating a keyboard section of a bass
marimba, a 3-octave marimba, and two 4 ½-octave marimbas with an
innovative percussion section of congas, bongos, and various
other instruments such as electric guitar, violin, saxophone and
flute. The band play marimbas handcrafted by founding member
Bryce Gray, who exhibits these unique instruments annually at
the Oregon Country Faire.
Lost
Coast Marimbas
are a
versatile band available for a variety of events from
well-established venues to weddings, parties and special
occasions. They regularly appear at festivals and events in
Northern California and perform annually at several popular
events such as: The Summer Arts and Music Festival in
Benbow; The North Country Faire in Arcata; and Roll on
the Mattole in Petrolia, and Trinity Tribal Stomp in
They have also made three appearances at Reggae on the River
in 1993, 2001, and 2005. Lost Coast Marimbas have played
with such greats as Little Feat, New Riders of the
Purple Sage, The David Nelson Band, Clan Dyken
and many others.
Lost
Coast Marimbas
are eager to share their creative vision with people seeking
self-expression and harmonious interaction with music and art.
Please contact them if you are interested in becoming part of
this magical and exciting experience.
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LOST COAST MARIMBAS
Band
Members
Bryce Gray
Founder, leader of the band, and composer. Plays marimbas and
vibraphone. Bryce played guitar for 12 years and his search for
more deeply inspired music led him to the magical world of
marimbas. He builds most of the marimbas and puts his steady
craftsman’s hands into his playing, making his contribution to
the band a very special one.
Micha Sammel
Original member and composer. Plays marimbas and
vibraphone. Born and raised in Germany, Micha brings a Slavic
style to this unique band. As a composer and arranger of many
songs, Micha mixes melody, harmony and rhythm in a hypnotic way.
Favorite move: Paragliding into a gig from 10,000 feet just in
time for the first song.
Archie Umina
Original member, a.k.a. Chango Loco. Plays
marimbas and vibraphone. Archie is the spiritual leader of the
band and always has something inspirational to say. He loves
people and loves to play.
JR Peterson
Nickname: Magic Hands. Plays marimbas, vibraphone
and percussion. JR has played with over fifteen bands in the
past twenty-five years. Supported by a classical and jazz
education and many years playing rock & roll drums, JR’s jump
back to marimba was a natural progression. JR puts energy,
excitement and heart into every live performance.
Keith Rashall
Keith Rashall plays
congas and djembe for the band. He provides a firm rhythm
foundation derived from 30 years experience playing drums.
His musical influence includes North African,West
African, Afro-Cuban, Arabic, East Indian and of course American
Popular music. Keith says: my goal is
to create a rhythm template for the other players to layer their
parts on.
Curt Sherman
Nickname: Mr. Steady on the Shakers. Plays
percussion. Keeps the island feel alive with his mix of clave,
guiro, shakers, cowbells, woodblocks, congas and bongos.
Favorite move: Keeping the band together when it seems as if
they are drifting off into space.
Horacio Altan
Plays percussion. A native of Guatemala, Horacio
has seen many marimba bands and builders from his homeland. His
cultural background and extensive history of playing hand drums
make him a natural for the Latin feel he brings to the band. He
adds flavor and smiles with the bongos, congas, cowbells and
floor toms, as well as vocals with “Afro-Cuban” flair.
Daniel Turner
Nickname: JAG. Plays alto and soprano saxophone
and flute. He is the newest member of the band who adds
exciting, melodic sax runs to the mix.
Roy Herlyck
Nickname: Otis Fiddler Berry. Roy has been playing classical
violin since age eight and picked up the rock guitar at age 15.
He cites Otis Redding, Chuck Berry and Jimi Hendrix as his main
influences and has been involved with several bands, most
recently recording with Crimson Pulse.
Lost
Coast Marimbas
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