Music
Press
"Like the great balladeers of the '40s and '50s, Vinx boasts a dulcet-toned croon, which can envelop a romantic rhapsody or stretch into effortless volcalese. Add to that admirable quality an unparalleled talent for percussive invention, and an ear for moody sonic artistry and you have the unique mix showcased on Big 'n' Round...."
~ JAZZ TIMES
"Imagine a classic R&B voice like those of Sam Cooke or Al Jarreau singing a cappella over a boisterous percussion troupe and you might get a hold on Vinx's magic...It's his yearning voice, alternately full of both anguish and joy, that makes you listen."
~ MODERN DRUMMER
"There is sometimes complexity in Vinx's simplicity...Vinx is a singer and percussionist, arranger and producer who calls his music "primal pop" because of the raw, stripped-down syncopation...and when Vinx wants to color his primal sounds with modern ones, he hooks up with the best. Aside from his ability to construct exciting rhythms, Vinx is a harmonious baritone vocalist with range, charisma, tounge-in-cheek humor and a fiery passion..."
~ THE WASHINGTON POST
"...Vinx is a remarkable musician who can croon in an ardent, enfolding baritone while tapping intricate, shifting patterns on hand drum..."
~ THE NEW YORK TIMES
"Imagine Bobby McFerrin's sunny disposition blended with tribal drum patterns, L.A.'s and Babyface's cool-headed approach to dance-pop juxtaposed with the instinctual elemental hooks of early Police. And Prince's harsh, minimalist backgrounds supporting vocals that rival Nat "King" Cole's for sweetness...a powerful effortless tunesmith and a vocalist of uncommon subtlety and understanding."
~ THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
"The first time I saw Vinx was in a little club in Santa Monica called "At My Place". I'd just been to the movies and was walking back to my car when it started to rain, so I stepped into the club, ordered a beer and sat down to wait for the rain to stop. At the other end of the club there was a guy with blue hair playing an African talking drum. Just him and a drum, no band; I could hear every nuance and inflection of his baritone voice swooping and soaring through melodies that had me open mouthed, gaping in that telling combination of wonder and envy that great artists sometimes provoke. The most interesting thing about his melodies was that within a single vocal line he was able to suggest the harmonic structure of the song without an accompanying chordal instrument. This is a rare talent. I stayed until the end of the set and introduced myself backstage. I asked if he had a record contract, he said he didn't; now he does. I wanted this record to produce the same effect on the listener that our accidental meeting had on me. He is unique. His music didn't need to be overly dressed up, it is already elegant. My job as producer was merely to be enthusiastic; you don't advise those who already know, you don't have to fire up someone who is already burning with passion. Vinx has something to say. Let him tell you himself."
~ STING
- Various
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Featuring the most cutting edge, experimental funk/jazz artists from Africa, Europe and the States, Vinx's newest Improvisational Experience, Groove Heroes, combines funky bass lines, hard grooving drumming, improvisational vocals and the latest vocal technology. Sometimes a DJ - but always a tap dancer triggering electronic sounds with his feet - it's amazing to watch these artists craft new moods and movements - all improvised with wicked intent. It's an evolving tribe of extraordinary players from around the world...they leave their regular gigs to join forces with the Groove Heroes on a mission to save the world one note at a time.
"It sounds good, it looks good, it tastes like your mamma's pie...straight outta the oven, hot and juicy!" ~ Eric Sanzen
VINX
If you are familiar with Vinx at all, you will know that he is most comfortable when he's not comfortable. For the past 20 years, Vinx has traveled the world and has worked with amazing artists along the way. In Montreaux, Switzerland he introduced the first drum band to the international music festival circuit. He followed that up with his ambitious solo tour, One Man One Voice One Drum, and the critically acclaimed, DJ influenced, live drum and bass project, Jungle Funk, which featured the Living Color rhythm section. Groove Heroes will have a similar impact on the scene. Their cult-like following is sure to grow. In a world where music is predictable this group's music is welcomed and completely unexpected.
Vinx is the gift you give to someone that you really care about."
~ STEVIE WONDER
I could hear every nuance and inflection of his baritone voice swooping and soaring through melodies that had me open mouthed, gaping in that telling combination of wonder and envy that great artists sometimes provoke. This is a rare talent. ~ STING
LEE PAYNE
The spectacular dancing of Lee Payne has inspired us all to get our tap shoes on! Leaving no stone unturned this cat is deeply musical and expressive, always on the edge, always pushing the boundaries of Rhythm to new heights through his feet. He has delighted audiences around the world with performances in Riverdance, Singing In The Rain, Magic Of The Dance, Des O'Conner, TOTP, Bouncers, Jekyll and Hyde, Hamlet, One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest and now Groove Heroes! Hold onto your seat...and just try to stay in it! This man's feet are hot!
LINLEY MARTHE
Self-tought and conservatory trained, Linley Marthe is one of the most sought after bassists in Europe today. Born in Mauritius, he mastered Bass, Contrabass & Piano by himself. He succeeded
in Ernest Wiehe Orchestra where he met Francois Jeanneau and ultimately moved to Paris.
In Paris, Linley studied Jazz theory and technique at Higher Music National Conservatoire. As a first call bass player he has collaborated with a variety of artists. Since 2003, he has been playing in Zawinul Syndicate.
PATRICK DORCEAN
One of the most sought after drummer/producer/MD/songwriters today. ? Groove Heroes is proud to have Patrick in our lineup. Patrick has played with Reggie Washington, Zap Mama, Brahim, Pitcho, Sandrine, Moiano, Yoko Sound, Bassida AKA Ida Funkhouser, 1060, Mo & Grazz, Cocojr., Bai Kamara Jr., Miss Camille, Marc Lelangue... ? I proudly use Tama drums, Zildjian cymbals, Evans drum heads, Vic Firth sticks, Ableton Live software & Carhartt clothes. ? Oh, and I'm a nice guy :)
AMMA WHATT
Amma's music career began at the tender age of 5 as a touring dancer studying and performing the traditional music and dances of West Africa. Her star has headed straight north since then as a touring vocalist with Glory of NY Gospel Singers and as background vocalist with Ruben Studdard, Karen Clark-Sheard, Ki-Ki Sheard, Shirley Murdock, Howard Hewitt, Melba Moore, Byron Cage, Rob Murat, Tulani Kinard and more. She was a Hollywood finalist in the 2007 season of American Idol and graces the big screen in the movie August Rush where she performs the Academy Award nominated song "Raise it Up". As a staff writer and vocal producer with the Grammy nominated team of women songwriters, Big Drawz Music Group, Amma co-wrote Just the Way You Are for Kindred and The Family Souls last album The Arrival.
"Amma Whatt is a breath of fresh air and is what is truly needed in music right now!" ~ Walter (Music) Jackson,Jr.
Damn Good Music Movement
"As director of the Songwriter Soul Kitchen workshops, I have had the pleasure of working with over 500 artists. I can say with the conviction of a North Carolina evangelical preacher that Amma is the light, her talents will shine brightly even among the machismo and technical prowess of her bandmates. She is my Hero." ~ Derrick Black
HENDRIK SMOCK
Born near Cologne, Germany, it was Hendrik's brother who told his parents that Hendrik should get drum lessons when he was five. Little did they know that their world would soon be filled with the s
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