...(Various observations on the excellence/lack thereof of Groove
Collective's first two albums)...
I loved the first album, and was absolutely BLOWN away by the band in
concert. You simply have to experience this band live (I've seen them
twice). I found the same with Galliano, actually - very good on disc,
exceptional in concert. Isn't it so with so many acts. (I can't quite say
the same for Jamiroquai - they didn't exactly leave their recorded efforts
in the dust with their Toronto show earlier this year) In concert, Groove
Collective weaves a rich, dense sonic tapestry which leaves you mesmerized.
Bring a friend, or better yet, a romantic interest, who's never heard Groove
Collective before. I brought one of each to the first and second show,
respectively. Both were extremely impressed.
I don't think the second album is as good as the first. However, I heard
most of the songs from We The People for the first time in concert, where
they were terrific; I suspect a bit was lost in the translation to studio
recording. They should have made the album live, which, admittedly, would be
a bit audacious for a sophomore effort. But all the songs from the second
album do sound a lot better live than on the disc. On the other hand, I
agree with the contributor who said We The People grows on you.
Again, I reiterate: See this band live. Beg, borrow or steal your way into a
show. A live recording exists; they were taped for a show on the Canadian
Broadcasting Corp.'s radio service two years ago at the Montreal Jazz Festival.
Sean