Search - Groove Collective :: Groove Collective

Janet P. (nycnomore) from SCHUYLER, VA
Reviewed on 3/8/2007...

fusion hip hop fabulous

These guys are the bomb

08/24/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've seen these guys live and I have all their albums. This first album is spectacular. The first song, Rentstrike sets the stage with a quick scratchy-lp-sounding bebop swing intro which leads into a fat, flowing bass-heavy groove you can dance to. The next few songs almost blend together into one, cerebral, surreal, and heavily improvisational jam. The sound is very hard to categorize since it defines definition and is so broad in scope. The Nerd is one of two rap-focused songs on the album which combines lyrical complexity along with a fat driving bass-line party sound with instrumental improvisation throughout.The percussion section in the band comprising of a conga player and timbales player add a heavy layer of latin flavor and danceability which I've never heard of in any band.The horn section, which includes a trumpet, a couple saxes, trombone and flute, gives the band a strong cohesiveness which is emphasized even further when each individual breaks out into a solo and leads the pack fluidly through the groove.These guys are so good, they could (and do) have incredibly successful solo careers.Add the vibes player who would make Milt Jackson proud, the bassist whose creative chord phrasings and pounding bass-lines can drive a man to drink and the keyboardist who goes from Art Tatum to P-Funk without blinking-- and you've got a sound that'll knock you off your stool and onto the dance floor in no time.In essence, this band is amazing. Although one could argue that they play best live, I think the studio work they've done captures them perfectly. In fact, I think it gives them a little leeway to be even more creative and try things that can't be done live. Buy this album and you will have turned yourself onto a band that will change the way you think about music."

Great Summer Music, Skip Over the Weak Rap Songs

saxmaster3 | York, PA United States | 02/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I remember driving to Ocean City, MD on a hot, humid July day with this CD in my stereo, and it created the perfect mood. The soloing is superb, with an uncompromising bop influence while retaining accessibility. Also, the great variety of instruments employed makes it fun to listen to repeatedly. I'm going to give it 5 stars despite some dubious rapping on tracks 3 and 9. Track 6, "Whatugot," is for me the standout with the smooth vocals, hip-swaying beat, and extended solos. The rapping would get a little better (and scarcer) on the next album. I challenge anyone who believes jazz is boring elevator music to listen to this CD and keep from nodding their head. Sadly, this band has been VERY inactive in recent years, with no new studio CDs since 2001 and few performances outside of NYC. Let's hope they take their show on the road once again."