In Good Hands

The name Bermuda Triangle symbolizes the mysterious, hypnotic state Thomas hopes his listeners will enter when they hear the music. "When I met Tom Toyama, who is so incredibly creative, I remember having an out-of-body experience and not knowing how to get back," he guffaws. The group has no written, pre-rehearsed songs. Only the rhythms Thomas creates are memorized; the music's harmonic elements are entirely improvised. And forget about a set list; the trio develops melodies on the spot based on one-word themes written by Thomas. "My music has changed so much," he explains. "I'm finished talking about problems and preaching to people. I'll let the world take care of itself. I just want to make happy music. That will be my contribution."

Apart from his musical work, Thomas lives a quiet life in South Miami, sharing parenting duties for his son (whom he describes as "five going on fifteen"), cooking family meals, doing laundry, painting, and writing a book about his hand drumming technique. While he likes the privacy that living in obscurity affords him, he still feels frustrated by the indifference of his hometown. "It's a Miami thing," he says emphatically. "There's no etiquette among club owners, managers, and audiences. People talk over music while others are sitting there trying to listen. Living here, where you get no recognition, my biggest struggle is remembering I am a great artist, but I'm taking it all in stride. I have fans far beyond South Florida. I can't get bent out of shape about one spot on the globe."

The Bermuda Triangle performs Tuesday, October 20 and 27, at Jazid, 1342 Washington Ave, Miami Beach. Showtime is 10:30 p.m. Admission is free. Call 305-673-9372.