All the world feels the groove
Chicago-based rock band to appear three nights at Cabin
Koenig, Mark
Issue date: 2/23/06 Section: Showcase
Family Groove Company will be bringing their "groove-informed jazz/rock" to The Cabin, playing three free shows at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Family Groove Company was formed when guitarist Adam Lewis and keyboardist Jordan Wilkow met bassist Janis Wallin and drummer Mattias Blanck while studying at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles in 2000.
The fresh foursome experienced creative chemistry and began writing songs and performing at the Institute and local Hollywood venues, Wallin said. Soon after, the band recorded a demo and headed out on a tour of the California coast.
In 2002, the band recorded its first full-length album, "Reachin,' " just before moving the band to the Midwest.
"We always technically consider the Chicago relocation to be the start of the band as it exists today," Wallin said. "Since our first Midwest show in October 2002, we've really stepped it up in terms of our commitment and drive to make this thing work."
Family Groove Company is definitely working. With over 100 shows per year, the members are driving this funky stallion on their own. They are the band, as well as art director, travel agent, booking agent and accountant.
"We like having control over the business, and I think the hard work builds character," Wallin said.
Having labeled themselves as "groove-informed jazz/rock," they concentrate on staying true to their sound.
"Our music reflects a great deal of attention and care for the groove," Wilkow said. "We make a conscious effort to see that our rhythm section ideas hold up under scrutiny."
The band uses the groove as a foundation from which the remainder of the song grows.
Developing a bass line or drum groove that complements the other instruments is the difficult step in the process, Wilkow said.
"Family Groove Company had a unique sound, and the committee came to an agreement they would be a perfect ensemble professional performance," Erica Borresen, University Activities Commission member and Cabin co-chairwoman said.
Family Groove Company was formed when guitarist Adam Lewis and keyboardist Jordan Wilkow met bassist Janis Wallin and drummer Mattias Blanck while studying at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles in 2000.
The fresh foursome experienced creative chemistry and began writing songs and performing at the Institute and local Hollywood venues, Wallin said. Soon after, the band recorded a demo and headed out on a tour of the California coast.
In 2002, the band recorded its first full-length album, "Reachin,' " just before moving the band to the Midwest.
"We always technically consider the Chicago relocation to be the start of the band as it exists today," Wallin said. "Since our first Midwest show in October 2002, we've really stepped it up in terms of our commitment and drive to make this thing work."
Family Groove Company is definitely working. With over 100 shows per year, the members are driving this funky stallion on their own. They are the band, as well as art director, travel agent, booking agent and accountant.
"We like having control over the business, and I think the hard work builds character," Wallin said.
Having labeled themselves as "groove-informed jazz/rock," they concentrate on staying true to their sound.
"Our music reflects a great deal of attention and care for the groove," Wilkow said. "We make a conscious effort to see that our rhythm section ideas hold up under scrutiny."
The band uses the groove as a foundation from which the remainder of the song grows.
Developing a bass line or drum groove that complements the other instruments is the difficult step in the process, Wilkow said.
"Family Groove Company had a unique sound, and the committee came to an agreement they would be a perfect ensemble professional performance," Erica Borresen, University Activities Commission member and Cabin co-chairwoman said.