FAQ : what are you doing in the band?

That's the most frequent FAQ i get from first-time audience at the GruvAvénue performance. It's definitely complicated and confusing! It's common for everyone to have two jobs nowadays for instance a lawyer by day, costume jewelry maker by night and so forth. Whereas i don't have to work in that manner, my schedule is very compact and concentrate. Lucky me! Much better than those working around the clock. What am i doing in the band? That's a simple question. On the show, i take video montages & still pictures, telling the sound engineer it's not a rock band, and some times, cashier, if we are selling limited edition of GruvAvénue cd, and also running around like wild horses to get these guys' autograph for them. Copy writing and sending notice to event listing boards weeks before the show. Also lucky me, these press people is always very helpful. On a daily basis, my task involve answering all enquiries and updating everything from a to z. After constant nagging from my director, here's the updated version of GruvAvénue bio data as by Dec 31, 06 :-

Introducing "GruvAvénue™"

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.

Comprised of four members, GruvAvénue was reorganised in January 2005 by Black Machine founder - double bassist and producer, Vincent Ong. He was joined by Charles Wong on drum (from 2001), Clement Siow on keyboard (from 2004) and Shazzy on saxophone (from 2004). Each of the four members is an accomplished musician and skilled arranger. Vincent, the band leader doubles as the songwriter. Charles and Clement are both tertiary music educators, while Shazzy is commonly known by local press and media as hip hop recording artiste in ascendant.

Not keen to rest on its laurels, the self-titled debut album "GruvAvénue" 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 - Mont Kiara Rhythm & Jazz 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 will pay homage to jazz legend in forthcoming showcase in December. The debut album, "GruvAvénue" is available in selected Rock Corners and Tower Records nationwide.

The Music

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 four amazing talents, one amazing sound!

Do drop by and say "hi!" if you guys see me at the show. Next? My artwork coming soon!