Description
“I never really know what song is going to come next…thankfully it just comes to me,” confides chart-topping saxophonist, composer and producer Euge Groove, who has scored close to a dozen #1 hits on the Contemporary Jazz Charts. A favorite on radio and the international touring circuit, Euge Groove has garnered a devout following with his irresistible mix of danceable grooves, mind-bending hooks, R&B infused melodies and inspired solos. Having collaborated with everyone from Tina Turner Elton John and Bonnie Raitt to Tower of Power and Aaron Neville, Euge Groove is never short on inspiration. On November 17, 2017, Shanachie Entertainment will release Euge Groove’s anticipated eleventh solo recording, Groove On, an exhilarating collection of originals. Euge’s latest drives home the multi-instrumentalist’s ability to mastermind the perfect mood-drenched set filled with top drawer performances featuring first rate musicians including special guests – guitar wizard Peter White and soul-jazz diva/label mate Lindsey Webster. “I hope my fans hear growth. That is most important to me,” shares Euge Groove. “I think if I stop growing as a writer, player, or producer, it’s time to quit. I put every drop of heart and soul into each album.”
Groove On opens with the enticing, jubilant and free-flowing “Sonnet XI” showcasing Euge Groove’s pristine and soaring soprano saxophone lines. Euge also mixes it up on the Hammond B3 (which he does on several tracks). “I actually started playing B3 back in the 90s while on tour with Joe Cocker. I love the sound of the B3. I have a great old B3 at my studio that was a gift from my dad some years ago and I love to use it when I can. I leave the heavy lifting to the experts though. Tim Heinz did a great job on numerous tracks this album.” In addition to Heinz, Euge Groove has culled together an A-list cast on Groove On featuring guitarists Peter White and Jabu Smith, vocalist Lindsey Webster, keyboardist Tracy Carter, bassist Cornelius Mims, drummers Trevor Lawrence, Jr. and Dan Needham, percussionist Lenny Castro and string programmers/arrangers Phillipe Saisse and Austin Creek.
A highlight on Groove On is the energized, pulsating and scintillating title track and album’s first single, which features Euge on flute and keyboard. “I’m always nervous until I can get that title cut down” confesses the multi-instrumentalist. “It has to be funky and unique for me, but not going too far as to people saying WTH? Once ‘Groove On’ was written I was like “Yes, I can do this!” Euge also features a high-octane reprise of the single at the end of the recording. The serene and blues-tinged “Free Time” brims with delight as Euge’s effervescent soprano leads the way, while the melancholy and pensive “The Healing,” is a gorgeous ballad that showcases Euge’s stirring tenor alongside the percussive and string magic of Lenny Castro and Phillipe Saisse. Euge explains that the origins of his compositions are fueled by real life experiences. “‘The Healing’ is a song that came from something I experienced recently. I suffer from anxiety from time to time, and it really reared its ugly head earlier this year. I just miss home so much sometimes on the road that things can get very dark. Mental health is no joke. I am very blessed to have some great professionals to help me make sense of it all and get through those periods. “The Healing” was all about that for me.” Euge’s beautiful ballad will likely bring peace and healing to many who are blessed to hear his heartfelt offering.
