3267 - ABSOLUTE GRÜV - Just Past North (2008)
ABSOLUTE GRÜV
''JUST PAST NORTH''
MAY 1 2008
57:21
1. Just Past North /4:24
2. Craven Reign /4:23
3. New Orleans Blues /5:23
4. Cabin Fever /5:59
5. Selfless Cold /7:31
6. Bottle of Jack /5:44
7. Rebirth /5:18
8. Shoulders High /7:19
9. As Far As I Can See /10:03
10. Untitled /1:16
Sam Hankey – Lead Vocals, Hammond b3, Keyboards
Absolute Grüv’s lively front man tears apart shows wailing on the Hammond organ and belting his soulful blues voice on top of it. Only 22 years old, Sam has picked up more talent than most do in a lifetime, learning from local legends like Bill Brown and Tom Pletcher, and touring musicians such as Joey Kantor and Al Oikari. Sam Hankey is a passionate performer who generates a lot of energy in the audience as well as on stage.
Ian Wilson – Guitars, Vocals
Ian has been capturing audiences for years with undeniable skills on the electric guitar. The range of emotion coming through Ian’s fingers is intense, spanning from moments of sheer shredding to interludes of gentle singing. Ian’s playing encapsulates references to Duane Allman, Jerry Garcia, Carlos Santana and Stevie Ray Vaughan, amongst many other influences; but his vocal ability should not be overshadowed by his guitar. His ability to belt the high harmonies is major attribute to the Grüv.
Brandon James – Bass, Vocals
Brandon, the newest member of Absolute Grüv, has picked up a whole book of Grüv originals in a very short time, adding his opinion where needed and in some cases, completely rewriting songs. A short time after meeting Sam, while jamming at a local bar, Brandon was asked to join the Grüv on the road. His ability to learn quickly and react on stage is exactly what the Grüv was missing. Brandon is constantly laying down funky bass lines and keeping things interesting.
Clay Whitney – Drum set, Percussion, Vocals
Clay’s percussion obsession begins with a complete technical mastery of the drum set. Having played in bands and jammed alongside Ian since the age of 12, Clay has devoted a lot of time to learning everything he can about rhythm. Clay is now a percussion performance major at the University of Minnesota learning more about the world of percussion from mentors such as Latin/classical music giant, Fernando Meza and Jazz master and Minneapolis legend, Phil Hey. Clay’s unique grooves keep audiences on their feet night after night.
ABOUT
By CDBABY
Absolute Grüv is a Minneapolis based band composed of guitars, drums, bass and Hammond b3 organ. The band’s four members – long time friends linked by a passion for great music – have been performing together for upwards of 7 years. Influenced by a variety of sources from Cash to Coltrane, and Hank to Hendrix; their jam band style and the Grüv’s roots in jazz, blues and soul music make their growing repertoire of original compositions truly unique.
“Absolute Grüv is a band of great dynamic. Starting out with a nasty lead guitarist, and backed by a steady, well-transitioning drummer. This band doesn't just play great jams; the secret weapon, lead singer, has the much needed soul with a whiskey drinking voice. The bassist keeps the needed beat, as well as, throws a funk transition at perfect times. This band is a breath of fresh air in today's […] music. Their new album "Just Past North" is a disc that didn't leave my CD player half the summer. Perfect band for cruisin' country roads by yourself and a nice air guitar.”
Grüv is in the Heart
Absolute Grüv has not only seized the attention of a large and growing group of fans; they also have managed to gain a consummate level of respect amongst the other bands, musicians, artists, promoters, venues and members of the art community in the Midwest. In early February of 2010, Absolute Grüv was leaving a concert in Rochester, MN, travelling westbound on I-90 for a concert the following night in Sioux Falls, SD. A blizzard struck and the band hit a patch of black ice, slid off of the highway, and proceeded to roll their vehicle and trailer four times in the ditch at a speed of 70mph, totaling their car, trailer, and most of their gear. The band spent the next week contemplating the possibility of fulfilling all of their existing dates, and reluctantly came to the conclusion that some would have to be cancelled, since it would take a long time to replace the equipment that was lost. Trying to overcome the difficulty of this realization; the Grüv came together to write a letter to their fans and friends, disclosing their decision. The reaction from the music and art community was an unexpected specimen of beauty. Many of the regions artists, musicians, promoters, and the Suburban World Theater in Minneapolis did not want to see Absolute Grüv taken off of the road, and they worked together to create the Grüv is in the Heart concert, a benefit for Absolute Grüv, which took place on March 5th, 2010 at the Suburban World Theater. The event was a huge success and featured sets from 6 different bands, a raffle for merchandise and tickets donated by many bands, venues and festivals, and live art by some of Minneapolis’ most talented artists. The community succeeded in selling hundreds of tickets for the event, and raising thousands of dollars to help revamp the equipment that was lost in the wreck. This was a beautiful moment for the band in which they realized how much support and respect they have gained from the Midwest’s music and art community over the years and how much the community wants to see Absolute Grüv succeed.
The last 6 years have truly been a spectacle for Absolute Grüv. Gigs at hometown bars and restaurants quickly turned into regional, national and international invitations. They have been able to pull together an impressive lineup of successful shows both in and outside of the twin cities, along with being able to participate in multiple summer festivals such as the 10,000 Lakes Festival, the White Iron Band’s Log Jam, Wookiefoot’s Harvest Festival, Fat Maw Rooney’s Fat Fest, The Big Wu’s Family Reunion and the Bella music festivals. Absolute Grüv’s solid base of loyal fans is creating a buzz across the nation that is hard to avoid. They are looking forward to another year of good crowds and great music in 2011.
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