______As one of the newest members to the Circles of Life Band, Sweden bornJoakim brings his Scandinavian touch to the music. His talent behind thepercussion kit is amazing to watch. Surrounded by dozens of instruments ranging from large congas to tiny shakers and gadgets whose origin no one knows, Joakim always seems to pick just the right "toy" to shake, rattle or roll in order to perfectly complement the music being played. His style is subtle and unassuming. His ability to blend complicated rhythms into a song is a true joy to listen to. Pretty good for a kid raised in a country whose mean temperature is around 45 degrees.

_____Joakim came to America in 1998 when his desires to expand his musical horizons lead him to Los Angeles where he joined the famous Los Angeles Music Academy in Pasadena. There he studied with such giants as Emil Richards, who played with everyone from "The Jackson Five" to "Frank Zappa", Michito Sanchez of "CSNY" and "Elton John" fame and veteran drummer Jerry Steinholtz whose played with Louis Bellson and Buddy Rich. Needless to say with teachers like that, he learned the skills that would serve him in his dream of being a top pro player. He soon landed gigs with LA session staple Don Randi, and '60s pop idols Nancy Sinatra and Jackie Deshannon. It was playing with Jackie where Joakim meet keyboardist Tony TerBorg and the two have been friends ever since. Joakim is very excited about what the future holds for him with "INSIGHT" and he is anxious to put his mark on the music.