Brett Gaines, Guitar
Originally from "the ATL," Brett's early influences include great R&B bands of the 70's - 80's such as EWF, Commodores, and Prince, as well as his two guitar-playing brothers. This later expanded to include works from contemporary jazz artists such as Jarreau, Benson, Rittenour, and Klugh as well as an appreciation of some of the seminal works from such jazz legends as Miles Davis, Kenny Burrell, John Coltrane, and Wes Montgomery. Since moving to the Bay Area in the early 90's, Brett has played in a variety of dance and jazz ensembles as well as at his local church. With a love for “grown folks’ music” filled with soulful melodies, rich musical textures and “phat” rhythms that please the ear and move the soul, Brett looks forward to bringing the Chocolate Rice Experience to you!
Geoff Glibas, Keyboards
Born in Berkeley and raised in Richmond, CA, Geoff began to play the piano at the age of five. As he developed his ear and versatility, he also honed skills and expertise on the electric organ. Geoff was a member of the Richmond High Jazz Band, which not only placed first in California’s statewide jazz band competitions, but also appeared at the Monterey Jazz Festival. During this period, Geoff also developed his arranging and composing skills. Early influences included The Beatles, Santana, McCoy Tyner, The Allman Brothers Band, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Errol Garner, Herbie Hancock and many other jazz, rock, and Latin artists. In college, Geoff’s musicianship expanded to include electronic keyboards and pro audio, and thereafter he toured for seven years with various groups playing original rock, funk, jazz, Top 40, Motown, R&B, Latin, techno, and pop. He has traveled throughout the Western US and Canada, and appeared at the Edmonton Jazz Festival. Geoff has performed with Babatunde Lea, Eddie Money, and members of Prince and Santana. Geoff loves jamming with Chocolate Rice!
Mark Hayes, Bass Guitar
Chocolate Rice's newest addition is Mark Hayes. Mark was born in Seattle, WA and began playing bass guitar at the age of 12 when he took bass lessons from Keni Burke of the “Five Stairsteps” in Los Angeles, CA. His family moved from Los Angeles to Oakland in 1976 when, at the age of 17, he began playing with Larry Graham’s former drummer, Willie Sparks. In addition to paying bass, Mark is also a songwriter and producer who has played with many Bay Area talents over the years. Chocolate Rice is glad to add Mark's phat bass lines to the groove.
Kelvin Heard, Drums
Born in the UK but having lived around the world, Kelvin grew up in a home where music was a part of everyday life. He began taking an interest in music at 5 years old -- listening to his father’s R&B and gospel albums by artists such as James Brown, Mahalia Jackson, Curtis Mayfield, B.B. King, Al Green, and The Temptations. At the age of 12, Kelvin was inspired to play drums by watching shows like American Bandstand and Soul Train -- banging on everything from pots and pans to his mother's living room furniture. It soon became evident that this was a gift from God and should be taken seriously. Kelvin’s introduction to Jazz/Fusion came in junior high when a friend played a Herbie Hancock & the Headhunters album and sparked in Kelvin a love for the genre. He quickly excelled in the language of music -- winning numerous awards while living in Guam, performing in his high school drum line, taking music classes/lessons at local colleges, and performing at the Monterey jazz Festival. Kelvin has toured professionally with the USO show entertaining our men and women in the Armed Forces around the world, and has also played in numerous R&B, Jazz Fusion, and Latin groups. Laying funky grooves for Chocolate Rice is a passion for Kelvin!
Bobby Nakamoto, Saxophones & Percussion
Bobby first picked up the sax at the age of 10. He has studied music at San Francisco State, Harrison School of Music, Berklee College of Music Summer Program, Chabot College and privately with a number of musicians including: Brandon Fields, Jeff Clayton, Euge Groove, Jeff Kashiwa, Andrew Speight, Hafez Modirzedeh, Michael Zilber, Mark Levine and Wayne Wallace. A few of Bobby's musical highlights include sharing the stage with the legendary vibraphonist Milt Jackson and performing for former President Bill Clinton.
