Gary is a singer/songwriter/musician. He resides with his family in Northern California, a modest drive from the Pacific Ocean. In addition to writing and arranging "Song of the Oceans," Gary sings, and plays acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, 5-string banjo, ukelele, dobro, electric bass and pennywhistle on the project. This CD is a sequel to "Song of the Animals", released in 2008.
Mary Younglood is the premiere female Native American flute player in the country. She has been awarded two Grammy Awards for Best Native American Music Album, as well as three Native American Music Awards. For the 'Oceans' project, Mary joins Gary and Lyndsey on 'Plastic Island.'
Mike turned pro at 14, and at age 18 he joined the Air Force Band, based in Washington D.C. Mike performed at Constitution Hall with Percy Faith, as well as at THE White House. At the age of 19, Mike performed a duet with Dionne Warwick in a national TV concert, and during the 70’s Mike played at college campuses throughout the country. More recently, Mike has performed, on stage with Petula Clark, and played guitar for the New York Musical “Hairspray” at the Reno Convention Center. For the 'Oceans' project, Mike and son Dorian layered the rich keyboard pad on 'Where Whales Sing.'
Lyndsey has a passion for creatively communicating through the arts. A singer, songwriter and freelance graphic designer, she gratefully enjoys the opportunity each day brings to develop herself as an artist. Lyndsey was happy to partner with Gary on this project and support his vision (and obvious passion!) for music, the oceans and creation. Lyndsey lives in Northern California with her husband, David, and their oh-so-macho Chihuahua, Pedro.
Sarah (19) is an expressive and creative artist living in the Sierra foothills of Northern California. She loves the ocean, and the songs on "Song of the Oceans." Sarah enjoyed painting the animals for the cover of her Dad's CD project!
Anna is an accomplished singer/songwriter, graduating from Simpson University in 2004 with her BA degree in Music and Worship Ministry. She feels privileged to participate in the "Song of the Oceans" project. Anna's passion for music is evident in her many performances throughout Northern California. She and her husband, Lance, look forward to sharing their gifts and talents together in Music Ministry. They reside in Grass Valley, CA.
Lance picked up a pair of drumsticks at the age of 13 and has been playing ever since. His styles range from Heavy Metal to Country Rock. And, in 'Tide Pool Stomp' he pounds out a great Surf Rock beat. Lance also plays guitar and bass, and is learning how to play the bagpipes.
Josh lives in beautiful Nevada County, CA, where he enjoys many outdoor hobbies like fishing, camping, motorcycle riding and much, much more. Josh is currently self-employed as a general contractor. He loves what he does with passion!! He also loves playing and creating, and experimenting with, music. Josh also serves on the Celebration Arts team at Twin Cities Church with several other folks featured on the "Songs of the Oceans" project. Josh loves Life to the fullest and couldn't imagine life without his beautiful wife Amy, his ever-so-loving friends, and most of all JESUS!!!
Jan Jablecki received her degree in Theater Arts and worked and performed in New York City for 5 years before life took her on many other adventures. She has for the last 25 years, been a Nevada County actress/Singer appearing in productions for Foothill Theater Company and Off Boardstreet and performing with her band, Silverwings. She is happily married and has two grown children, Nathaniel and Alisha.
Heidi first picked up a violin shortly after she learned to walk. Her life has since been filled with music and dance, often joining her musical brothers and sisters at fairs and festivals. Her musical résumé includes stints with the Round Valley Hogcallers (alongside co-founders Gary Bowman and Gene Cox), as well as with the legendary Reeltime Travelers. Heidi currently performs around the country as 'Heidi Clare and AtaGallup.' In her 'spare time,' she competes in "Ride & Tie' competitions ('two people, a horse and an exhilarating race').
Frank is a producer, engineer and musician living in California's Sierra foothills. Currently, Frank is studio engineer for the K-LOVE and Air 1 Radio Networks. Frank is involved with several projects, including playing keyboards with Nevada County's "Mystafya" and the Sammie award-winning group, "Aaron King and the Imperials." Frank also sings and plays bass with the Sacramento-based group, "The Neighborhood." "Song of the Oceans" adds to a long list of engineering and musical credits.
Marc has been playing drums since age 14. He likes all music, but his passion is in Celebration Arts. "I am flattered to be part of something that matters...serving with Gary is always awesome!"
Don has been playing guitar since he was 12 years old. A master of both the electric and acoustic guitar. A highlight of Don's guitar career was playing the Vivaldi Concerto in C major with the Bay Chamber Symphony. Listen for Don's rippin' electric guitar solo on 'Tide Pool Stomp.'
Denny is a singer/songwriter living in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California. As the front man for the Denny Russell Band (which Gary is also a member of), he pursues his musical passion. Denny sings tenor harmony on "Wonders of the Sea."
Robert began playing violin at age 12 and guitar at age 16. He first began playing in pit orchestras for musicals in high school and college. Robert has been concert master of the Palomar Symphony and Sierra Symphony, and has played with the Apollo Orchestra, Panache Chamber Orchestra and Auburn Symphony. He has played electric violin and guitar in rock, county western, blues and jazz bands. Robert is also a vocalist and has performed many major choral works in classical choirs, and was the 'Fiddler on the Roof' in the Center for the Arts 2006 production of the same name. These days, he utilizes his vocal talents as Grass Valley's official Town Crier. Robert is privileged to also perform with Gary in the acclaimed (and eclectic) duo, the 'Local Motives.'
From the age of seven, music has been a big part of Tim's life. At his mother's encouragement, Tim picked up the saxophone, and has been playing ever since. He plays the electric bass in the Denny Russell Country-Rock band, and plays a mean saxophone in 'Tide Pool Stomp.'
Don began making music at the age of nine, playing piano, alto sax, guitar, organ, and electric bass (his second favorite instrument). He began playing piano in church at age 15, and has been doing that ever since. Don is a member of the music team at Twin Cities Church, and plays country-rock keyboard in the Denny Russell Band. He sings bass on “Slammin' Salmon" and "Wonders of the Sea.” Don is a self-employed software developer, and lives in Grass Valley, California with his wife, Lola.
Bruce began his extensive musical career in 1967, as a drummer, playing in numerous bands. In 1993 Bruce set up the Flying Whale Recording Studio in the Sierra Mountain Foothills near Grass Valley, Ca. On "Song of the Oceans," Bruce recorded and mixed "The Yodeling Sea Horse," "Slammin' Salmon" and "Where Whales Sing."
Lifelong drummer, Scott "DrummyX" Wilson loves music and the creative people that come with it. A Northern California father, teacher, & skier, he enjoys the opportunity to create music in the studio as well as on stage. Producer of a variety of albums and artists the past 15 years, Scott continues to look for the right stuff when it come to music. "Gary's musical concept was a perfect opportunity to mix many styles of music for a common good - the oceans!"