MEDIA REVIEWS
Click Here for Review of 2nd Album
Debut album "GruvAvenue"
A significant recording of original, smooth jazz compositions by one of the finest young names in Kuala Lumpur. The improvisational element is evident through-out with ample helpings of legato saxophone lead, fluid piano and punchy bass lines. It’s definitely worth getting and leaves me wanting more! It's only the beginning and let's watch what's forthcoming in future. - All Dat Jazz ‘N’ More
A collection of original tracks, a mixture of smooth urban jazz and modern fusion, all instrumental and everything executed to near-perfection. A six-track EP that reflects Vincent’s musical passion and beliefs. There’s an edge in the performance that lends the EP a natural, organic touch. - The Star
If the mood is one of refinement and style, romantic, intimate, or simply chilled and laid back, give this a go! - Her World
smooth jazz of delicate melody and intricate harmony. The album combines smooth and contemporary jazz with elements of pop and R&B. - 106.3 The Breeze, Smooth Jazz Radio
Formally known as "Black Machine", GruvAvénue exploded onto the KL music scene with its inaugural performance in The Actors Studio, Plaza Putra in 2001. The show saw the dynamic band combining its aptitude for improvisation to an eclectic selection of music.
Black Machine has continued performing actively, securing regular stints in jazz clubs such as the legendary No Black Tie, Jazz Bar @ The Orange and Livehouse Niche along the way. The year 2004 saw Black Machine making its successful debut in the Sunrise Carlsberg Jazz Festival. The band is also a regular feature in many local jazz-themed restaurants, cafés, bistros and wine bars.
Not keen to rest on its laurels, the self-titled debut album "GruvAvenue" consisting of entirely original compositions was released in August 2005. Preceding to this, a sneak preview was held at Alexis Wine Bar & Bistro, Ampang in July, followed by a major re-introduction of the band at the regional foremost music festival - Sunrise Jazz & Rhythm Fest in August.
The band headed back to Avanti Italian American Ristorante in Sept, enthralling jazz aficionados with their brand new musical styles and approaches; while their music is in heavy rotation in Australian smooth jazz station - The Breeze106.3 on the coastline overlooking the remarkable Great Barrier Reef. In October, revolutionary national radio program - Jazz Selecta interviewed GruvAvénue. The two-hour interview was air nationwide live on Traxx.FM (90.3 /100.1 FM in the Klang Valley) and available for live streaming globally. The band invaded Bangkok Jazz Thai Bistro in November and developed a close rapport with a full house. Whilst experimenting with modern technology, the band paid homage to jazz legend on showcase at Cotton Club in December. The debut album, "GruvAvénue" is available in Tower Records
In March 2006, GruvAvénue geared back to jazz-themed restaurant - Avanti, beguiling patrons with their intimate originals and contrasting electronica pulse. The group returned by popular demand to the Sunrise Jazz & Rhythm Fest in July 2006 and took thousands of audience by storm with their festive moods and funky grooves, cross-genre rapping by local hip hop artiste, Shazzy, and new addition of powerful vocal - Vanessa. Their performances at Alexis was always a full house with cheers from fans and supporters.
After their sold-out concert at The Actor's Studio Bangsar October 2007, GruvAvenue brings you their second album - THE AWAKENING! (Click Here for Media Review). The album comprised entirely of all new authentic compositions, is a live recording of the concert. This CD captures the true beauty of a live jazz concert with their musical communications, intensity, and the wholehearted emotion for the music. For listener to experience first hand: "The Awakening" is available in ROCK CORNER Bangsar Village within Kuala Lumpur, ROCK CORNER One Utama Shopping Centre within Petaling Jaya. And don’t forget to check out their debut album "GruvAvenue" as the band has evolved and went through an interesting musical metamorphosis.
As contemporary jazz band, GruvAvénue keeps a simple and yet organic instrumentation bass, saxophone, drum and keys. In the studio, GruvAvénue blends traditional jazz harmony and heartfelt original melodies with contemporary grooves to create a unique and sincere sound. Their music absolutely captivating, full of delicate melodies, subtle intricate changes, strong rhythmic sense, vibrant harmonic nuances, are perfected by flawless live playing. On stage, they take their energetic performance a step up by incorporating pulsating grooves and intoxicating loops through modern technology.
Reluctant to stay in their comfort zone of nostalgic standard jazz music format, the band constantly expand their signature sound spectrums and experiment with a wide diversity of musical genres ranging from soul, traditional swing, House, R&B, hip hop, dance beats, pop and fusion. Masters in projecting both: sophisticated seduction of intimate acoustic jazz and vivacious raw grooves of electronica, here's the amazing sound!
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