Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
"In a modern musical landscape plagued with interchangeable pop acts and glutted with so-called 'jam bands,' Otis Grove appears to be carving out an appealing niche. With Adept musicianship and tightly executed orchestration, this band can bring the funk like the best of 'em." - Chris Barnes, The Collegiate Times
"So I open up this package, put this disc in the player and this stuff comes out that just hits me where I live! What else could I do but put it on XM's Beyond Jazz to blow everybody else's mind?!"
- Russ Davis, Beyond Jazz
"After 34 years I can finally answer Les McCann and Eddie Harris. Got to make it real compared to what? Compared to that slick machine smooth jazz sounding music. Yo, Otis Grove is Makin it real. Let there be no doubt. They came, they saw, they conquered, and now they out."
- Kenwood Dennard (Jaco Pastorius band, Maceo Parker)
"With their self-titled debut, the New England-based Otis Grove has set the tone for being the rare groove ensemble for the 21st century. Having solidified as a trio just a few short years back, Otis Grove has already cultivated what seems to be a perfect balance of composition and improvisation; jazz harmonies and hip-hop grooves; individual expression and group interplay. What's most refreshing about the group is their openness to go where the music wants to go as opposed to being constrained by stylistic prescriptions. Exemplifying these qualities are such stand-out performances as Lester, Neponset and Scheinfeld. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for Otis Grove to make a big impact on the burgeoning jam scene in 2005. These guys are just getting started, so expect more...much more where this 11-song gem came from. Enjoy!" - -Wilton Elder, RadioioJAM.com
Discography
EP Live @ Harper's Ferry 2004
Otis Grove Debut CD 2005
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Otis Grove began as a collective experiment in crossing the traditional jazz sound, with funk and Hip-Hop rhythms. It was the beginning of a sound based in groove, free in improvisation, yet rooted in songwriting, and soulful melodies.
The band began spreading their sound to New England clubs in 2003. The music, which encompasses both electric and acoustic groove and an eclectic live show, has found its way into both rock and jazz clubs.
Continually reinventing their musical identity, Otis Grove has shared the stage with Groups such as: The Melvin Sparks Band, Topaz, The Gordon Stone Band, Brother's Past, The Breakfast, The Jinx Motive, and many others. The band has just completed its first full-length studio record.
The record is a mixture of electric and acoustic tunes and features special guest Melvin Sparks on guitar. The album was released in early March 05'. Since the release it has been receiving heavy rotation on numerous stations and is beginning to develop national attention.
Otis Grove has been developing a strong following in New England through an ongoing list of gigs, a collective love for music, and the power of each show being an intimate and profound experience through which the band and audience connect.
Since its inception Otis Grove has developed an e-mail list of over a 1,000 names, and is continually working to develop a community of like minded people based on a love of improvised music.
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