The music of Jarimba is rooted in tradition but looks towards the future. By combining the music of West Africa with jazz and Afro-Cuban influences our goal is to take the listener on a musical journey across continents.
Kocassalé Dioubate - vocals and djembe - has recorded and performed as head soloist with Youssou N'Dour, Moussa M'Boum, Ballet Bougarabou in Senegal & Ballet Kaloum Lole in Guinea. Since arriving in Canada in 2005, he has had the opportunity to plays festivals all over Canada and released his first CD of traditional African music in July.
Robin Layne – marimba and percussion – splits his time between leading Jarimba and performing with a wide range of ensembles from salsa and jazz, to traditional West and South African music. He just got back from a tour of China with the Lache Cercel Roma Swing Ensemble in October. He is also an active music educator and is a graduate of the L.A. Music Academy. Robin's studies have also taken him to Cuba where he has studied with the Folclorico Nacional Ballet Cutumba.
On drums and percussion is Brendan Krieg, a recent graduate of Concordia and Mcgill University in the jazz studies program. Since returning to Vancouver, he’s become one of the busiest drummers around. He’s currently completely a cross Canada tour with Kent Mcallister and the Iron Choir. When he’s not on tour, Brendan’s versatility as a drummer keeps him active with a wide range of projects from Jarimba to the bluegrass fusion of the Blue Island Trio.
Filling out the percussion section is Diego Zaragoza on congas and back-up vocals. Diego’s dynamic energy and skill makes him a pleasure to watch and listen to. He has studied with some of the West Coast’s leading percussionists, including Pepe Danza, Celso Machado, Jack Duncan, and Salvador Ferreras.
Holding down the bass is Evan Bates, a graduate of the University of Victoria’s music program. He’s worked in many fields of music and brings a wealth of experience from classical, jazz and world music to his playing.
Laying down some mean solos on lead guitar is the one and only James Baldwin, who is currently finishing his music degree at Vancouver Community College. He’s on the faculty of the Sarah Mclachlan Music Outreach Program as a guitar instructor and as a member of Jarimba he enjoys using his wide range of influences and stylistic characteristics to contribute to the exciting and eclectic sound of the group
