Sean and Kevin Martin were raised in a very musical family and learned to play music around the campfire. From Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Dylan, and Cat Stevens as youngsters to Jerry Garcia, Peter Tosh, Paul Simon, The Band, and Ray Charles as teenagers and as adults influenced heavily by the many Caribbean groups that arose during the development of the steel drum in many different Caribben islands from the 1940's - 1970's. We've also been influenced by David and Patrick Menzies and their songs and stories from and of the Caribbean. Some of our favorite island groups are: The Talbot Brothers of Bermuda, The Merrymen and The ESSO Steelband.
Mike Miller has a degree in classical guitar. He now heads several steel drum orchestras and his influences run the gammet from Trinidad Panorama arrangers to classical to roots music.
Sounds Like
The Geckos are and "island rock" band with electric guitar, steel pans, (sometimes trumpet) along with electric bass and drums. Performing mostly origional songs that reflect the mix of backgrounds of members of the band.
Bermuda Blue is a more accoustic sounding group. Picture a sunset in the Caribbean with steel pan sound floating above old calypso songs with lyrics that will bring big belly laughs. Songs about cooking, swimming, boating and trouble with the ladies. You will feel the sand between your toes.
The Geckos and Bermuda Blue are the two bands that I play in.
The Geckos are an origional "island rock" group out of Annapolis formed in 1990. Our first gig was on St. Patricks Day 1991. Since then we've played thousands of gigs in the Maryland, Deleware, PA, VA area. The Geckos are a five piece band comprised of steel drums, guitars, bass and drums. We have released three albums: "Move Yourself", "Slow Down Your Engines" and, "Rising Up From Below" . Mike Miller, Kevin and Sean Martin play along with Larry Melton and Chuck Karner and Dana Biagini. Other members who play with the group include Ryan Diehl, Noel White, Steve Potter, Roy Dunche, Mike Aubin, Bob McGlaukie (trumpet), Mickey, DANO, Cuzzin Mark, and a host of other players over the years.
Based out of Annapolis, MD you will find us playing on Boats, in Bars, and at parties and festivals.
Bermuda Blue is the first band that Sean and Kevin Martin played together in. We started in Ithaca, NY with Guy D'Andria, John Rezai and Brian Berry. After building our first steel drum instruments we formed this Island Calypso group, playing at campus parties, restaurants, and even drove the band and instruments to Mardi Gras in New Orleans to perform in the French Quarter festivities.
Bermuda Blue focuses on "old school" island calypso songs that we learned from Sean's extensive Caribbean record collection from the 1930's throught the 1970's. Bermuda blue performs as a duo (steel drums and guitar) and as a full calypso band (steel drums, guitar, bass and drums)
Also based out of Annapolis, MD. Bermuda Blue performs at bars, cafe's and private parties. Check the schedule to find performances of both bands.
The Geckos and Bermuda Blue's Friend Space (Top 8)
Coming into town this weekend!! See you on Sunday night if not before. Is little William going to be there for his birthday? Can't wait to see you!!! I'll call when I get in.
Hey everyone-
is 5 years old today!! Come in and celebrate with me. I just might be able to make a great deal on a new instrument for you! Thanks to all my friends and family for the continued support!
Hey Cuteness! My ears must have been ringing. I just got a Bose radio for my office and hooked up my ipod...and have been listening to your cd all day. So I have been thinking about you guys today.
I can't wait to see little William again!! Miss all of you bunches!!
