Fresh off the release of their second record Live in Middle Tennessee, The Great Barrier Reefs are a Nashville based act that has been turning heads since 2009. As a steel drum fronted funk fusion group, the Reefs blend the island native steel pan with contemporary funk rhythms and jazz harmony to provide entertainment to both listeners and dancers. Highlights from their 2012 tours include performing at Columbus Jazz and Ribs Festival, Ya Maka My Weekend Festival, Nashville Fringe Festival, and Bowling Green International Festival; sharing the stage with such acts as Soulive, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, The Right Now, Space Capone, Monophonics, and many other fine acts. 

As an electric band, the Reefs appeal to a wide variety of music lovers: from jazz fanatics to jam-heads, rockers to hip-hoppers, the Reefs deliver a sincere and captivating performance of their music. Led by Tony Hartman, on steel pan and keys, the Reefs are made up of five young men brought together by their musical education in the Nashville area. Along with Hartman, the Reefs include Taylor Lonardo, on bass and audio production, Josh Dunlap, on saxophone, Matthew Heller, drums, and Rheal Janelle on guitar.

In 2013, the Reefs plan for another year of touring surrounding the release of a new studio record, as well as their silent film score for Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog”.

Tony Hartman - steel pan, keyboard
Josh Dunlap - saxophones
Rheal Janelle - guitar
Taylor Lonardo - bass
Matt Heller - drums


“Catchy melodies and hooks abound and bring back memories of the many talented players and groups that flowed through and grew out of the best of Miles Davis' 1968-75 era ensembles, including the work of Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, Pete Cosey, Dave Holland and John Mahavishnu McLaughlin. It sure sounds to me like many of the best influences from that whole trajectory march on boldly on this album…”
RDJMS “Indulgent Reader” – Amazon review from Phoenix, AZ