Kalimba The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire

MICHAEL COLE

Michael started his musical quest and dream early while in elementry school. He would often listen to music on his father's stereo for hours playing drums on empty coffee cans. In middle school Michael picked up his first guitar he borrowed from a friend. Later in high school he enrolled in guitar class and continued on with more lessons and then on to music theory and jazz band. Michael played guiitar in a few local cover bands. While in college at Central Washington University Michael studied jazz history and played in the campus popular funk band "Ultimate Satisfaction". Michael then started his spirtual journey focusing on a relationship with the creator he spent a lot of time playing for his church choir and become a guitar player on the gospel scene playing for many gospel artist like Marvin Sapp, Yolonda Adams, Karen Clark, Orlando Draper to name a few. Michael also knows his way around the studio performing as a studio musician at many studios in the Seattle and northwest area. He has shared the stage while playing in his band Cole'lition with Najee', Roy Ayers, The Whispers and many more. Michael led the all musicians jam session in 1999 while on the "Festival at Sea" cruise on Carnival Cruise Lines

WALTER FINCH

Born in Mobile, Alabama on June 22, 1954, I became interested in music at an early age. My first instrument was a toy drum set that I got at the ripe old age of four. I got the set for Christmas but I really didn't like it (according to my mom). My oldest brother had a Roy Rogers guitar that I really wanted. I know some of you don't know or remember Roy but he was one of the coolest Cowboys on tv back in the day. He played the guitar and rode a horse called trigger. Needless to say I wanted to be like Roy! In my early teen years is when I developed a real love for music from listening to people like Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Chicago, Tower of Power, and Cold Blood. My first real gig was at a place called the Mardigras Tavern. And the first real concert that I played was at the Paramount Theater where I opened up for Al Green. I have been very blessed and fortunate and have had the opportunity to play with many great artist. I have completed two album projects and I'm currently working on number three which will be released soon. Here's to making awesome and beautiful music.... Cheers!!

DEREKE JAMES

While growing up in Detroit, Dereke has played the bass since the age of 7, and the bass synthesizer since he was 15 years old. He has collaborated in multiple studio sessions and enjoys writing songs and grooving bass lines.

Dereke has played in concert with Aretha Franklin, Brides of Funkenstein and the Parletts. He has toured with Alliya and The Ojays, Oneway (ft. Al Hudson), and played with Washington State Music Department in 2005.
Dereke's Influences range from Larry Graham, Stanley Clarke and Marcus Miller. His playing syles span jazz, pop, gospel, blues, hip-hop, funk, House music, Techno, Country, and R&B Music.

Other notible tours:
The New Years Celebration Bash & Comedy Jam; Atanas Illitch Alternative Pop Band; Old School 70’s Dance Band; Winans Gospel group; The Futch Brothers — While growing up in Detroit, Dereke has played the bass since the age of 7, and the bass synthesizer since he was 15 years old. He has collaborated in multiple studio sessions and enjoys writing songs and grooving bass lines.

Dereke has played in concert with Aretha Franklin, Brides of Funkenstein and the Parletts. He has toured with Alliya and The Ojays, Oneway (ft. Al Hudson), and played with Washington State Music Department in 2005. Dereke's Influences range from Larry Graham, Stanley Clarke and Marcus Miller. His playing syles span jazz, pop, gospel, blues, hip-hop, funk, House music, Techno, Country, and R&B Music.

Other notible tours: The New Years Celebration Bash & Comedy Jam; Atanas Illitch Alternative Pop Band; Old School 70’s Dance Band; Winans Gospel group; The Futch Brothers

JEFF LUND

Jeff is one of those rare "A" list musicians that are known by only a handful of people. Kalimba is extremely fortunate to know him and have the opportunity to work with him.
Jeff's career started with a formal Jazz & Classical background spanning over 20 years that included playing the Clarinet and Tenor Saxophone in Jazz, Wind ensemble, and marching band. As Jeff's career grew he toured with several bands from LA, San Francisco, New York, Miami, Washington D.C. and Victoria B.C.
Living in the rarified air of "A" list musicians, Jeff composes music in the original Seattle band "Striking Back" working with the producer of "No Doubt", Live", "Incubus", "Jacks Mannequin", and "Hoobastank". This has led to recording at some of the major studios in Seattle including Robert Lang Studios, Bear Creek Studios & 4th Street
Recording in North Hollywood, CA. Evident in Jeff's vocabulary are the influences of Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Stevie Wonder. Given the complex compositions of Earth Wind & Fire, Jeff's musical depth and maturity give Kalimba the ability to execute this material at the highest level. — Jeff is one of those rare "A" list musicians that are known by only a handful of people. Kalimba is extremely fortunate to know him and have the opportunity to work with him.
Jeff's career started with a formal Jazz & Classical background spanning over 20 years that included playing the Clarinet and Tenor Saxophone in Jazz, Wind ensemble, and marching band. As Jeff's career grew he toured with several bands from LA, San Francisco, New York, Miami, Washington D.C. and Victoria B.C. Living in the rarified air of "A" list musicians, Jeff composes music in the original Seattle band "Striking Back" working with the producer of "No Doubt", Live", "Incubus", "Jacks Mannequin", and "Hoobastank". This has led to recording at some of the major studios in Seattle including Robert Lang Studios, Bear Creek Studios & 4th Street Recording in North Hollywood, CA. Evident in Jeff's vocabulary are the influences of Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Stevie Wonder. Given the complex compositions of Earth Wind & Fire, Jeff's musical depth and maturity give Kalimba the ability to execute this material at the highest level.

Jay Donald

Drummer Joshua “Jay” Donald is known for his versatility as an onstage performer.

He was born in Los Angeles, where he discovered his love for music. His passion for music led him to Phoenix, where in 2005 he was voted one of the top 50 drummers in Arizona, which gave him the honor of performing for the Queen of England at Wembley Stadium.

He’s played alongside legendary performers, MC Hammer, saxophonist Marion Meadows, bassist Mel Brown, Guitarist Stanley Jordan, & Gospel artist, Crystal Lewis, Kirk Franklin, BB & CC Winans, Yolanda Adams & many more.

Jay’s contribution to live recordings for TV networks has allowed him to be seen on TBN, Daystar, and AZ-TV. Jay’s blending of hip-hop, R&B, rock, pop, jazz, gospel, classic soul/blues, and salsa makes him a fantastic contributor to any band or musical ensemble. His expertise goes beyond the drum set, as he also arranges, produces, and writer.