Tropic of Cancer

Consistency and determination define Tropic Of Cancer. Since its creation in early 2000, TOC has been making its mark. 2011 was an exceptional year for Tropic Of Cancer, performing at various festivals including the Jacksonville Jazz Fest, Blackwater Music and Arts Fest and the Veg Fest. Appearing and performing on two different television programs and inclusion on the radio program Electro Lounge. Recording and releasing the new cd “India” which was named top ten local records of 2011 by the Florida Times Union. Now going 12 years strong, Tropic of Cancer is determined more then ever to bring its inspired and original mix of worldly jazz to the masses. In early 2000, local musician and concert promoter Jason Lewis was looking for an outlet for his musical ideas. Having worked for years in the local music scene he knew all the various players. He called on well known area musicians Colin Westcott, a prolific drummer, and the late Brian Hicks, a versatile saxophonist and multi instrumentalist. They began rehearsing and writing songs, eventually developing a sound and style derived from a variety of musical influences, including Jazz, Reggae, Samba and African rhythms. They chose the name Tropic of Cancer since much of their inspiration came from the warm latitudes of Jamaica, West Africa, India, the Middle East and Latin America. It wasn’t long before they were a fixture on the North Florida music scene and their “New World Lounge” sound was garnering interest from music fans as well as other area musicians. The shows became events, featuring the core members and often including a talented cast of local musicians who would join them on stage. Each show was unique and exciting, revealing new sounds and flavors culminating last year with the band’s 10th anniversary show in front of a packed house. Many who had played with them over the years sat in creating a blazing showcase of the best musicians in Jacksonville. Not long after that triumphant evening the band lost founding member Brian Hicks to cancer. This was a blow to Tropic of Cancer and the entire Jacksonville music and arts community where Brian was deeply loved. Joining Jason and Colin in Tropic of Cancer as full time members are esteemed Saxophonist Eric Riehm, Percussionist and poet Ryan Sinclair, Sean Hendrix on Vibraphones and the return of Guitarist Dimitri Kavalieros. Versatile and comfortable in any situation Tropic of Cancer has performed at museums, art galleries, jazz clubs, bars and even the occasional wedding. They are a frequent presence at Jacksonville’s Art Walk and have played to support various charities and have even been the pit band for several local theater productions. Tropic of Cancer continues writing and recording new music. Look for them at and www.facebook.com/tropicof Aside from their many gigs at clubs throughout the southeast, Tropic of Cancer has supported such acts as The California Guitar Trio, Acoustic Alchemy, Merle Saunders, The Sex Mob and The Wailers. *over the years Tropic Of Cancer also included full time members Jay Peele, Chris Gibbs, Chris Spohn, and Theo Klaase at different and overlapping junctures. It also included many guest musicians who played quite frequently with Tropic, including Dan Brown, Ed Richardson, Dan Shelton, Jeff Mclaughlin, Rebecca Zapen, Joe Yorio, Rachael Levin, and Sienna Joy Poulard in no particular order. A mix of jazzy jams, worldly beats and saucy rhythms stewed together instrumentally and then chilled to perfection to produce what we like to call NEW WORLD LOUNGE.