Vancouver’s best-kept musical secret is now impossible to hide. With Pacifico, Robin Layne & The Rhythm Makers have crafted an album that transcends geographic and cultural boundaries, inviting listeners to experience the marvels of marimba through a deeply personal, global lens. This sophomore release is a remarkable journey into a world of rhythmic mastery, where folk traditions meet jazz in a fusion of sounds both intimate and expansive.
Robin Layne is no stranger to musical exploration. With a JUNO nomination and over 15 years in the industry, Layne’s career has been a dedicated pursuit of rhythm, culture, and connection. Growing up in British Columbia, he was drawn early to the unique voice of the marimba. Over the years, Layne has taken that calling across the globe, studying percussion traditions in Cuba, Guinea, Mali, Mexico, and Colombia, learning from master players and absorbing the deep-rooted musical customs of each region. His experiences have shaped his playing, imbuing it with a textured, almost conversational quality that reflects his vast knowledge of global rhythms. This cross-cultural immersion has not only informed his musical style but also driven his passion for education, particularly through his role as a senior percussion instructor at the Sarah McLachlan School of Music and his work as Artistic Director of the World Rhythms for Youth Society.
In Pacifico, Layne’s dedication to bridging cultures through rhythm shines as a testament to his belief in music’s power to unite. Inspired by his experiences on Canada’s Pacific coast, the birth of his son, and a life-changing trip to study folkloric marimba traditions in Mexico and Colombia, Layne’s vision for this album is clear. He sought out two incredible teachers—Moises Zamora and Hugo Candelario — during his travels to Colombia, where he studied the marimba de chonta style. Their mentorship has had a profound impact, and it’s evident in the soulful, intricate layers of Layne’s compositions.
The album’s nine tracks blend the warmth of Latin American rhythms with the fluidity of jazz. The title track, Pacifico, is a standout, balancing traditional Colombian and Mexican marimba music with a jazz twist that highlights Layne’s impeccable command of melody and rhythm. Joined by his longtime friend, trumpeter JP Carter, the track evolves into a jubilant, nuanced piece that feels both earthy and ethereal. This track alone is a testament to Layne’s artistry, showcasing his talent not only as a composer but as a curator of sound who seamlessly integrates his global influences into something distinctly his own.
Another highlight, La Rana, takes inspiration from Colombia’s salsa scene, conjuring the sounds of a lively Bogotá night, where salsa and cumbia fill the air. Layne’s arrangement gives the piece an inviting rhythm that is undeniably danceable, creating an infectious energy that transports listeners straight to the source. Likewise, La Topa invites a celebratory spirit, with its bold percussion and bright marimba notes that feel like an invitation to move.
Adding to the album’s depth is Paka Mwimbo, a collaboration with Mapumba Cilombo, a singer-songwriter and instrumentalist based in Cape Town. The track weaves Afro-rooted melodies with Layne’s signature marimba sound, creating a song that pulses with life. Layne recalls meeting Mapumba on Vancouver Island, where their musical synergy was instantaneous. Here, their collaboration is a seamless blend of styles and cultures, underscoring Layne’s belief in the power of music to create bonds across continents.
Layne’s work with The Rhythm Makers has cemented his place in Canada’s world music scene, making him a sought-after performer at prestigious festivals such as the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival, and the Victoria Jazz Festival. His influence and artistry have resonated internationally as well, with performances at the Nanjing Jazz Festival in China and the Hildesheim Jazz Festival in Germany, where he has brought his unique blend of marimba-forward music to audiences eager to experience a fresh, globally inspired sound.
But Layne’s influence extends far beyond his music. As a key figure in youth percussion education, he has inspired countless young musicians through his teaching roles, mentoring them not only in technique but also in the appreciation of diverse musical traditions. His role as co-founder and co-Artistic Director of the Vancouver World Music Festival speaks to his commitment to broadening the Canadian musical landscape and fostering a community of cultural exchange. Layne is a bridge-builder, creating spaces where different rhythms and melodies can meet and flourish.
Produced by award-winning fiddler and producer Jaron Freeman-Fox and recorded at Vancouver’s Afterlife Studios, Pacifico is as polished as it is profound. Freeman-Fox’s expert production provides a perfect complement to Layne’s vision, capturing the organic warmth of the marimba while layering it with textural elements that make each track feel immersive.
Robin Layne & The Rhythm Makers have crafted more than an album with Pacifico — they’ve created a sonic voyage that reveals the beauty of cultural fusion and the power of rhythm.
For anyone who appreciates the intersection of tradition and innovation, this album is an invitation to feel, to move, and to explore. Layne has made it clear: the marimba is more than an instrument in his hands; it’s a bridge across worlds.
FOLLOW ROBIN LAYNE & THE RHYTHM MAKERS
Comments