PUSH- 29/01/06 - Shapeshifters & Roast Groove

Zoelee

RoastGroove

www.roastgroove.com

Don’t you need some LIVE in your life?

What is RoastGroove?

RoastGroove are the new musical sensation who are taking the capital by storm with their unique style of live dance music. They are a 7 piece band who offer something truly different with their live performances; tune after tune of uplifting house courtesy of their talented DJs, accompanied by the live sounds of the sax, violin, bongos, bass guitar and amazing vocals.[b]Smooth, sexy house music with all the best elements of the live sound - it’s a match made in heaven.
Life started for RoastGroove at the Circle Bar Clapham, where they continue to hold their month residency. They now also play at the Whitehouse and Inigo, and their popularity has led to bookings at some of London's best bars and clubs. In a scene where too many people are afraid to take risks or to do something different, RoastGroove are providing some much needed excitement and proving that club music needn’t just be about a DJ and two turntables.


Who are RoastGroove?

DJ - Steve Rothery

Steve is the founder member of RoastGroove along with Chris Norris. Originally hailing from Portishead, he started mixing over 10 years ago. Steve successfully ran Fusion in Birmingham from 1997-2001 promoting events featuring the biggest DJs in the land as well as Fusion’s River Severn boat parties.

Playing a mixture of electro tinged dirty basslines, French afro-influenced house and soulful grooves - Steve is definitely a party DJ who loves to build his sets up and he loves going mental to the tunes as much as anyone in the crowd. Steve has played at a variety of venues in London including Pacha, Egg, The Cross, Turnmills and Brixton Academy for SW4, Puscha, Space, Glitterati, Prologue, Pukka Up, Ménage a Trois and Sundazed and was resident for Super Sundays for 18 months. He is also a resident for Roast at Inigo Bar in Clapham.

Saxophone - Chris Norris Profile

Chris is a founder member of Roast Groove and is the resident Saxophonist for both Roast Groove at the Circle Bar and the various other Roast nights all over London. His musical career started at an early age with the Piano playing Jazz and blues. At university the saxophone was to become his main instrument, playing in various Jazz and Horn bands. After moving to London it soon became apparent that House music would put the Jazz on the back burner. He has played at top events in London such as the SW4 Afterparty at Brixton Academy, The Egg, Sundazed and The Business at The Whitehouse, Oblivion, Light Bar and Inigo.


Vocals - Jennifer Rees

Originally from Melbourne Jennifer has performed with bands and worked as a session and solo singer for over 10 years in the USA, Australia and the UK. Jennifer has a fresh and sexy new sound that floats somewhere between House, R&B and Pop. Her strong, soulful vocals and reflective lyrics prove to be a successful and catchy combination.
After moving to the UK in 1997 Jennifer Rees worked with several live bands touring the UK including the LA Gospel Choir, as well as working in studios doing session work. More recently Jennifer has written music with London DJs and featured on dance tracks and has been reviewed by DJ Magazine as 'a vocal talent to look out for'. Jennifer's songs have had radio airplay and she regularly performs in London’s best jazz and blues clubs. Jennifer performs 'I Need You Around' live with Roast Groove.

DJ - Greg Oldfield

Greg's love of music comes from years of clubbing and activities in the London scene. Following in the steps of brother Oli Smiles he has moved from Roast organiser to RoastGroove DJ. He always plays up for the crowd, with the family blend of funky, cheeky and uplifting house music. Regular gigs now include Sunday Roast at Inigo Bar in South London and RoastGroove at the Circle bar, Clapham.


Bass – Andy McIntyre

Andy first picked up the bass at the age of 17. Andy spent a summer stateside, studying music at a contemporary music school in Boston, providing great exposure to excellent teachers. Moving to London in 2001, Andy's love of music and bass playing was reignited by frequent visits to Ronnie Scott's and the Jazz Cafe.
In his own words: "Steve's meld of soulful, funky stuff reminds me of listening to Masters at Work - and in terms of dance music, must be the most satisfying stuff for any bass player to be involved with. And listening to Chris play reminds me of an awesome night clubbing in Cape Town, when for the first time, I heard live sax blowing over the top of house music - it was brilliant!"

Percussion - Olof

Olof started playing conga over 10 years ago whilst he was living in Paris, since that time he has played and studied in France, Cuba and the UK. He is influenced by Cuban and Latin American music and percussion mainly but has also played with a lot of West African drummers. Apart from trying to bring his own flavour to the music, he places great emphasis on merging with the flavour and style of the musicians he is with. In London he plays regularly with Zen-fm (a funk-band) and is to be found regularly in the Popbar on Monday nights.

Vocals – Jamie Lee

Originally hailing from the sunny Gold Coast in Australia, Jamie Lee started singing at the early age of 7. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Music at the Conservatorium of Music in Queensland and has been performing professionally all across Australia. Jamie Lee is a new addition to Roast Groove, having only recently relocated to London to continue to develop her music career. For more information check out www.jamieleewilson.com

Take a look at pics from past gigs, download RoastGroove music for free and check out details of their latest gigs at www.roastgroove.com