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Coral Reefer Band

The Coral Reefer Band has been traveling as long as Jimmy has. The legendary group started out in clubs as a fake band consisting of Kay Pasa, Ms. Kitty Litter, and the legendary Marvin Gardens. In 1975, Jimmy began touring with a real band and the rest is history. Members have come and gone, but the Coral Reefer Band will be around as long as Jimmy is.

Current Band Members


Michael Utley

Keyboards

“Mr. Utley”, as Jimmy often refers to him at shows, is the longest tenured member of the Coral Reefer Band. He first met Buffett in Miami in 1973 and Jimmy asked him to appear on his second album – A White Sport Coat And A Pink Crustacean. He has appeared on every album since then, producing many of them.

When Buffett officially formed the Coral Reefer Band in 1975, Utley joined and has never left.


Mac McAnally

Guitar, Vocals

Mac McAnally is the two-time reigning CMA Musician of the Year and has been a full-time Coral Reefer since 1998. He has written many hit country songs, including “Down The Road” (recently covered by Kenny Chesney), Sawyer Brown’s “All These Years” and “Cafe On The Corner”, as well as a few songs that Buffett has covered – “It’s My Job” and “When The Coast Is Clear” to name a couple.

Mac has also recorded several of his own albums over the years. His latest, Down By The River, was released on August 4th, 2009.


Ralph MacDonald

Percussion

Ralph MacDonald was born in Harlem, NY, and has worked with such greats as Harry Belafonte, James Taylor, and Billy Joel. Ralph is also known for writing the classic tracks “Just the Two of Us” and “Where is the Love.”

Today, Ralph splits his time between writing and recording for his company, Antisia Publishing, and touring with Jimmy.


Robert Greenidge

Steel Drums, Percussion

A native of Trinidad, Robert Greenidge first began playing the steel drums at age 8 and is now one of the most renowned players in the world.

Robert first appeared with Buffett on the 1983 album One Particular Harbour, where he beat his drum for the title track and “Brown Eyed Girl”. Greenidge has been touring and recording with Buffett ever since.

He’s also recorded albums with Michael Utley under the moniker Club Trini.


Peter Mayer

Guitar, Vocals

Peter Mayer grew up in Tamilnadu, India, where his parents were missionaries for 17 years before returning to their Missouri Roots. In 1989, Elliot Scheiner was hired to produce Jimmy’s Off To See The Lizard. Having just worked with Peter’s group, PM, Scheiner suggested Buffett use the band for his album and the rest is history.

His brother Jim plays is also a Coral Reefer, playing bass.

When not on the road with Buffett and the Coral Reefers, Peter tours the country with his own band The Peter Mayer Group.


Jim Mayer

Bass Guitar, Vocals

As with his brother Peter, “Uncle” Jim Mayer grew up in India, where his parents were missionaries. In 1989, Elliot Scheiner was hired to produce Jimmy’s Off To See The Lizard. Having just worked with Peter Mayer’s group, PM, Scheiner suggested Buffett use the band for his album and the rest is history.

Jim speaks of meeting Jimmy for the first time, “We didn’t know who the heck this guy was. We knew Margaritaville and that’s it! We figured it would be a single project and maybe a gig or two. Ten years later, here we are, full-fledged Coralator Reefermegators.” It’s now been over 20 years for Jim and his brother.


Roger Guth

Drums

Roger Guth was born in St. Louis, MO. He came to the Coral Reefer Band in the late 80’s at the same time as Peter and Jim Mayer. Aside from Buffett’s tours, Roger also hits the road with Peter and Jim as part of the Peter Mayer Group.

He released his first album in 1998 called “Scotch.” A couple of years later he released a follow up CD entitled “Scotch: Cowboy Ballet.”


John Lovell

Trumpet

John Lovell has been playing the Trumpet since age five. He first joined his High School Band and later got his first musician job with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.

In 1992, John was selling stereos at a Circuit City Store when he got a call from a friend who was in the studio with Jimmy. Jimmy was looking for a Trumpet player and John sent a tape, resume, and picture. Two weeks later he was a Coral Reefer. When he’s not touring with Jimmy and The Reefers, he plays with a local swing band in the Palm Beach area.


Doyle Grisham

Pedal Steel Guitar

Doyle Grisham was born and raised in Temple, TX. At age 21 he began playing the steel guitar and has since played with such greats as George Jones, Reba McEntire, and Kenny Rogers.

The steel guitar of Doyle Grisham can be heard on such Buffett classics as “Come Monday”, “The Great Filling Station Holdup” and many more. In 1999, Jimmy talked Doyle into going on the road and Doyle’s been touring with the band since then.


Nadirah Shakoor

Vocals

Nadirah Shakoor was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. She sang for the rap group “Arrested Development” from 1992 until 1995, when she joined the Coral Reefer Band. Nadirah may best be known for singing the bridge in “Son Of A Son Of A Sailor” at concerts: “And the lady she hails from Trinidad, island of the spices…”

In 2008 she released Nod To The Storyteller, an album covering many of Jimmy’s hits over the years.


Tina Gullickson

Vocals

Tina Gullickson is a Native Californian who’s first taste of singing and dancing was with The Doodletown.

In 1995, she joined the Coral Reefer Band which she now refers to as “the best job in the world.” When Tina’s not on tour with Jimmy and the Reefers, she spends her time caring for her four bunnies.