Band History
GRASP…..! Formed in the heart of Los Angeles, one can only imagine what would become of a group of passionate musicians sharing what matters most…life in music. Coming from humble beginnings back in the days in Asia, Grasp started with the friendship of 3 individuals professionally engaged in live performances. While they all started from different bands, one thing prevailed…friendship!
More than ever, this culture of friendship evolved into something much deeper than expected. Each member invited in came as a destined appointment. Now in the US, Grasp was finally born to represent life in music. G for Guy, R for Rhoel & Reggie, A for Albert, S for Shucks and P for Paul.
It did not take too long for Grasp to takeoff. In just a few months after its inception, the word came out like a wild fire and gig after gig, their timeless music continues to excite fans of all ages. We hope you enjoy this website, which will be growing and evolving continually to include more band history, information on alumni members, and regular updates. Rock on!!!
Guy Papasin II - Drums & Percussions
Guy is an excellent drummer. He has been a drummer for more than 25 years. He comes from an artistic and musical leaning family with his two siblings who are both drummers as well. He started playing drums in his early age joining local bands, during his senior year of high school as his first “pro” gig. His journey started in the late 1980’s, and it didn’t take long for him to rise up and became a band leader playing as a professional musician touring group mostly in South East Asian countries.
When he is not grooving on stage, he likes to be at home to cook, run and stay in shape. He spends much of the time with his friends helping and playing at their local church. “I’m very appreciative of my gift and happy to know I’ve inspired so many people."I’ve learned from experience that God has a plan for me, and that it’s better than mine! I just try to remember that, no matter what comes down the pike," he says. Guy also plays percussion, as well as providing background and lead vocals.
lead guitarist
Rhoel 'Joel' De Castro - Lead Guitarist
Rhoel is a seasoned professional guitar player. His musical abilities extend beyond rhythm style and blazing leads. Many that heard him are hitting the message board with a lot of compliments. He’s been playing professionally for the last 25 years. His journey also started in the late 1980’s, and it didn’t take long for him to rise up and became a band leader, playing as a professional musician touring mostly in South East Asian countries. Guy & Rhoel worked with the same promoter but hitting different club venues in downtown Singapore and Malaysia.
To formulate your groove within a group like this is a unique challenge because this group has its roots everywhere, from blues to pop rock and classic rock," he says.
Shucks Avendano - Lead Vocals
“Mighty” Shucks as we call him, is Grasp lead vocalist. The front man that totally signifies the meaning & perception of the band itself. Blessed with immense power in his vocals chords suited best for role in rock band but very much compatible with the soft devotional tunes with extreme high pitch folks.
Shucks front professionally for many cover bands touring the South East Asia. He and Guy are band mates hitting different club venues in downtown Singapore and Malaysia.
I am very proud becoming a part of the Grasp family. I cannot wait to share the gift I have been given with each and every one of you!
Paul Anderson - Bass & Vocals
Paul is a versatile bass player, and has a style that is truly unique. It is hard to imagine Grasp without Paul’s enormous contributed talent. Since we first started working together not many months ago, Paul & Guy formed the foundation of the rhythm section that drives the band's trademark “thick big sound”.
When he is not playing, he can be found relaxing, taking care of his own medical services business and serving and playing in his local church in Riverside CA.
He has been an encouragement to many youth worship team through his dedication to learn and to create music that is all their own. "I love those moments on stage when we get into that "zone". Your hands are right, you’re alone, and the time is yours. That’s still the biggest nut for me, and when those times happen it’s always special. That’s the beauty of being in this band -- we’re a group, and yet we’re individuals," he says.
keyboardist
keyboardist
Reggie Alicbusan - Piano & Keyboards
Reggie is the keyboard player and covers background vocals as well. Whether the song calls for piano, clavinet, strings, a synch sound, whatever, Reggie is right there. He especially shines on the string and piano parts that are such an important part of Grasp present sound. Reggie is in a select group of true Roland artists, and his solos are always superb. As an accomplished artist of his own, Reggie has been with many bands over the years. On the other side of Reggie, he is a licensed architect in the Philippines and manages his own design consulting company in Los Angeles, CA