It’s easy to take simple things for granted like an evening out in the city with friends. During his 21 years of service in the U.S. military, Groove Frequencies’ bassist-producer-songwriter John Stewart treasured the rare opportunities that he got to enjoy such mundane pleasures, which is what inspired the group’s fifth album, “Night Grooves.” Stewart wrote and produced the twelve-song set releasing May 31 on the B2j Music label. Three days later, “Don’t Cha Wanna Go Go,” a funky go-go joint, will drop as the first single.

With Stewart and drummer Jay Williams building the foundation of R&B rhythms and funk beats on Groove Frequencies recordings, the groove structures are then illumined by a melodic featured soloist in the form of a jazzy saxophone, keyboard or guitar lead. On the “Night Grooves” album, those players are saxophonists Jimmy Reid and Eddie Baccus Jr., guitarists Clay Benjamin and Tim Perry, and keyboardist Kevin Andre’. Additional contributions on the album come from Billboard hitmaker Greg Manning (keyboards), Parris Spivey (guitar), Vince Wiley (keyboards and organ), Chris Fischer (piano), and Curtis McCain (percussion).

The vibe is set on the album opener, “The Night Life,” as you hear a group of friends gathered for a fun evening out. Reid’s supercharged sax adds to the celebration. The energy of the city creates the ambience on “On The Run,” which spotlights Benajmin’s cool and crafty electric guitar. The title track takes the tempo down a notch and becomes a showcase for Stewart’s sinewy bass leads and elegant piano noodling.

Continue reading →