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Influences
everything and everybody, from willie nelson to bob marley, from frank sinatra to motley crue, from harry conick jr. to jimi hendrix. You get the picture
The year 2000 was rolling right along, and in the backwater badlands between the heart of the Delta Blues and the capital of Country Music many different styles and sounds were starting to mutate into a sonic brew that was less style, more substance, a little less country, and a little more rock-n-roll, great taste and less filling. A five man powerhouse that would be known as THE GROVE.
Webster's defines a grove as being a group of trees with the same root system, and that's a pretty accurate description of the band. With all five members hailing from hard working musical families and cutting their teeth on local music scenes before they had lost their baby teeth, each one brought a unique attitude, sound, and perspective.
Jonathan Singleton, a one man band, who at one time or another had played and learned almost every instrument known to man stepped up to the plate as front man and lead guitarist, squeezing as much emotion from the burnt frets of his guitar as his gritty smoke and soul-covered vocal chords.
Josh Smith comes in covering lead vocals and rhythm guitar and complimenting the rough and real delivery of Jonathan's with a voice as smooth as glass and sweet as molasses.
The funk is with Andy Dixon, youngest member of THE GROVE. Blending the mastery of Victor Wooten with the soul of Larry Graham and the melodic sensibility of Paul McCartney, Andy's subsonic assaults and energetic performance continue to make him a bassist's bassist.
William Coats meets Andy's musical challenges with laid back authority and rhythmic domination, changing tempos and time signatures like the channels on a television. A lifetime student of concert sound performance and music in general, professional isn't Willie's middle name, but it should be.
Rounding out the equation of THE GROVE, is the newest member, keyboardist, Justin Dudley "Do Right". This central Florida native has received notariety in the gospel scene. The neo, soul, jazz, r&b night spots of Memphis, TN were his stomping grounds before he crossed paths and joined forces with the Musical Army that is THE GROVE.
2003 saw the release of the group's long awaited debut album More Than People. It is a promising first statement from five dedicated young poor boys who are all about the music.
They have announced Elvis Fest will return to Tupelo next year after a solid 08. Net income this year was "at least $75,000" compared to a net loss in 07 of $46,000. Thanks in part to you guys we will get to have the event again in 09. I hope you guys aren't to big to join us again then. Thanks for helping make it a success. We enjoyed every last damn song you played! Come back soon
Hey guys, thanks so much for putting on the best set of the night in Tupelo on Friday night. Hands down you guys were the best on the stage. I might be biased since you played Start All over Again (cigs)! Come to Tupelo again soon!
Just wanted to say Thank You for the great show tonight in Tupelo. It was great to see ya'll again. One of the highlights of the show was when Jonathan was singing "Watching Airplanes" and I looked up and saw the plane flying towards the sunset. A big thanks for Josh for coming by and seeing us before the show and for the great job on the song "Smoking Cigarettes"
Cool that ya'll are opening for Carrie Underwood. I think that's what I heard. My husband heard on talk radio. Awesome. Keep up the good work. Have a great weekend.
What's up guys? Yall are such a great BAND. I love watching you guys play. Just the shere raw talent every single one of have is absolutley amazing. Looking fwd to some new stuff and some new covers, you know Kathleen's still waiting for some Styx. William, I want lessons!!!
