ARTS

Groove Collective gets the 'Sco sweating

'Sco and crowd overwhelmed by vibrant, large band

Courtney Max

The stage in the 'Sco could barely hold the ten members of the Groove Collective at their Friday night show, let alone their instrumental sets and amp hook-ups. Even so, the band members managed to maximize their space and fill the room with their unique and energetic brand of funk. Groove on it

The audience was itself pressed for space but, depsite the oppressive heat of a packed dance floor, the Groove Collective produced a cohesive and contagious set.

The crowd was sufficiently warmed up due to the home-grown opening band, Fat Cash, and Groove Collective's opening song, appropriately entitled "Anthem," didn't disappoint. People were soon dancing and swaying in time to the varied rhythms, which ranged from Latin-inspired to jazz-funk fusion.

Every member of Groove Collective had their moments to solo, demonstrating the immensity of their talents. Whether it was Bill Ware's deftness on the vibraphone, Chris Theberge's hypnotic conga beats or Richard Worth's impassioned and barefoot flute pieces, all were met with loud applause and shouts of encouragement from the crowd. The Sound of Music

People appeared most involved when MC Nappy G took the mic and rapped over the jamming musicians, such as in the quick-tempoed "I Am," prompting people to wave their arms and offer their own voices to the melee.

Fans accustomed to the Groove Collective's studio sound were surprised at the improvisational turns performed by the band. Each number was tweaked a bit by the musicians for a new take. Several songs showcased were off of Groove Collective's latest album, Dance of the Drunken Master, including their latest single "Deal With It" and their riotous finale "Out the Door."

Perhaps most impressive, aside from the obvious musical talent, was Groove Collective's excellent rapport with one another.

Members played off of each others' riffs with skill and a spirited edge, making for a highly charged instrumental interplay. Sly looks were exchanged between members, anticipating climaxes and lulls. Bill Ware even grabbed the off-set fan to cool off other players during one of their more intense songs.

Those show-goers hungry for grooves seemed satiated with the hour and a half set. The Groove Collective's jam session succeeded in shedding away a week's worth of tension through their sweat-inducing numbers.

In a musical world which seems content to pitch us uninspired tunes, it's refreshing to hear a band that celebrates diversity and booty-shaking.


Photos:
Groove on it: Drummers take care of business while a tightly-packed 'Sco looks on.

 


The Sound of Music: A percussionist adds magic and rhythm to the collective groove at Friday's show. (photos by Zach Fried)

 

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Copyright © 1998, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 127, Number 3, September 18, 1998

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