Groove Society is an award-winning vocal jazz sextet that is among the top rising stars on the world jazz and a cappella scene. In 2006, the group was named “Vocal Group of the Year” by the JPF International Music Awards, as well as being honored for “Best A Cappella Album”, and “Best A Cappella Song”. And in 2007, Groove Society received the prestigious “IAJE Award for Outstanding Service to Jazz Education” at the International Association for Jazz Education convention in New York City.
With the release of their debut CD, Groove Society is receiving airplay on major-market jazz and NPR stations from coast to coast and around the world. They have appeared at international jazz festivals across the Mainland U.S., Hawaii, and Canada, sharing the billing with, and/or opening for top artists including Bonnie Raitt, Herbie Hancock, Bobby McFerrin, The Neville Brothers, Eddie Palmieri, Paquito D’Rivera, Freddy Cole, Patty Austin, The Rippingtons, Bobby Hutcherson, Jimmy Heath, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Dr. John, The Bad Plus, Paul Taylor, Nelson Rangell, Soulive, Styx, and many more!
Thoughtfully crafted arrangements, intricate rhythms, exhilarating improvisations, and astonishingly authentic vocal percussion give Groove Society a unique sound that leaves enthusiastic audiences amazed at the complexity and power that can be achieved by six vocalists with no instruments. Group members possess degrees ranging from vocal performance to music education to theory and composition, and have combined their talents to create a dynamic group that captivates concertgoers and finds itself in demand. The group’s repertoire includes the full spectrum of jazz styles as well as R&B and popular music infused with extended jazz harmonies.
In addition to their busy performing schedule, Groove Society also works in education, giving workshops and clinics to high school and college students. Individually, members are involved in a variety of projects including solo performances and recordings, teaching, adjudicating, writing and arranging. The group hopes to continue to explore all styles of music and expand their audiences for years to come.
"If you weren't seeing it with your own eyes, you would have thought the six-member group was being backed by a six-member band."
~Courtney Gillies, Medicine Hat News
"These guys and girls certainly have the soul and rhythm to offer your listening desires a trip to the moon."
~Season Purcell, The Scroll
"Following proudly in the substantial footstops of such legends as Eddie Palmieri and Lee Konitz, this year's celebration feature Groove Society, skillfully navigating diverse elements of the jazz genre, from mellowing crooning to frenzied funk."
~Adam Goldstein, The Metropolitan
"The only regret of the evening was the brevity of the concert. When the music is good and the voices are fantastic, an hour and a half is not enought!"
~Joanne Dodds, The Pueblo Chiefton
"Well, they certainly got the name right. If there were ever a society that knew how to groove, these kids are that utopia."
~Sean Dargie – Recorded A Cappella Review Board
