Our Background

Jimdipaolo_2@hotmail.com

386-748-2452

Jim: Guitar, Keys, Vocals

Originally from New Jersey, I've been playing guitar since I was 12 and have always enjoyed performing classic rock tunes like: Steely Dan, Yes, Santana, Stevie Wonder, and Billy Joel. After three years of playing in wedding bands, I became part of the San Diego based club band, “The Features”. I later developed an Audio-MIDI home recording studio to help with songwriting projects.

(See “Other Musical Projects” for mp3 samples on the other page).

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Marsha: Vocals & Percussion

Born in Trinidad, I grew up listening to Caribbean music such as Calypso, Ska, Reggae and Latin dance music. Being of East Indian decent, I sang along with the Bollywood soundtracks for Indian movies that played on the radio.  The stations in Trinidad played such a variety of music, we heard everything from American Country, Pop, Rock, Folk, Soul, Samba and even some African songs like "Pata Pata" by Miriam Makeba. Singing with my friends in our award winning High School choir laid the foundation of my musical future.  Later influences include musical theatre in NJ and FL.

Jim and I met in 1992 and played in several music projects/bands in San Diego and NJ before deciding on being a Duo but now we’re in Florida and we’ve grown into a very fun four piece.

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Carlos Rivera: Congas & Vocals

The pulse of Groovers And Shakers is in Carlos’ hands. He answered an ad Jim posted on the internet and we clicked like family right away. He played with the John Saleeby & Spectrum orchestra in NJ for 16 years before moving to Deltona, Fl three years ago and we’re happy to say, their loss is our gain. Carlos’ rich, powerful voice and sense of rhythm is infectious. We feel blessed to have him, not only because he’s such a talented musician but you couldn’t find a nicer human being.

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Mike Spencer: Bass & Vocals

The newest addition to G&S, Mike keeps us grounded and in the groove with his double neck bass guitar. We were happy as a three piece but we met Mike (known as “Super Mike” because he’s amazing at so many things) through a mutual friend and we were all so impressed! Not only is he an incredible musician but he balances us with his easy going personality and love and knowledge of music.

Our music is infectious because our personalities are so complimentary and the fun has a ripple effect into the audience. We’re very fortunate to be such a diverse group of talented people who are also good friends – something that’s very rare nowadays.

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