The Super Groovers, Our Featured Artist for the Month of January 2009. I have had the privilege of airing several tracks from the CD Supergroovin'. The track Super Groover first aired during the Tank Davis "Smooth Roun' Midnite" broadcast, and has been one of the most requested tunes along with Groovin With In Crowd (one of my personal favorites) and the very melodic Past Present And Future Expressway. Tank Davis Smooth Groove Phoenix
It swings it Rocks it's the Supergroovers. Cool cd I love it and so will the listeners. Swing2jazz / CHAI 101.9 FM Montreal Canada Bigbadbrenda
Super Groovers -- is that a great name for a jazz unit, or what? Whoever these fellows are, their eponymous track is melodic, energetic, hook-laden and has a summer-y vibe ... Carol Archer Radio & Records Magazine
Make no mistake about it… when you check out this new disc, you’re going to hear Jazz with a capital “J.” L.A.-based keyboardist/guitarist Andrew D. Gordon and sax man Frank Villafranca, calling themselves The Super Groovers, have put together an exceedingly cool collection of original contemporary jazz tunes, expertly embellished with elements of blues, funk, and Latin grooves. SUPERGROOVIN’ draws from their vast experience as performers and authors. In fact, they’ve published a whole series of instructional guides with titles ranging from “60 of the Funkiest Keyboard Riffs Known to Mankind” to “100 Ultimate Blues Riffs for Saxophone” to “Rhythm Guitar Workout," available through their A.D.G. Productions. So, the question is, do they eat their own cooking? Absolutely! They feast on it, as a matter of fact. This album is filled with a compelling retro vibe that’ll remind you at times of Booker T and the MG’s (check out the bluesy “To Our Loved Ones”) and at other times has more of a fusion feel, like something from the Crusaders or Herbie Hancock songbooks. In addition to the lead-off track, “Super Groover,” with its lively, festive Latin pulse, I especially dig the fast-paced “Seaside Adventures in Hollypool” and the Latin-flavored “To the T.” SUPERGROOVIN’ from The Super Groovers is a fun, festive musical romp offering a whole lot to like! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN SmoothJazz.com
Sax man Frank Villafranca and keyboard / guitar player Andrew D Gordon, aka The Super Groovers, have just released their aptly named debut album ‘Supergroovin’. Its a tight collection of eight expansive tracks that delivers exactly what the title suggests it should and for which Villafranca and Gordon also take the writing and production credits. Although, for them, ‘Supergroovin’ is something of a watershed they have in fact been part of the LA music scene for over twenty five years and, as well as recording with numerous musicians, have also carved out parallel careers in the field of musical education.
Indeed Villafranca is the author of two instructional jazz books, ‘Outstanding Saxophone Solos’ and ‘Blues Horn Ensemble Playing For Beginners’. Both are available through Andrew D Gordon’s music educational publishing company, ADG Productions, which he launched in 1991. Sixteen years on ADG has now published over 100 instructional books for most types of instruments and Gordon has personally written over 30 of them. He is also an accomplished composer, producer and arranger with experience that has enabled him create music for TV shows, film, theater and commercials. The track ‘Walking The Lonely Streets’ from his synthesizer solo album ‘Silhouette’ was used for a number of years as background music for the soap opera ‘General Hospital’.
The duo was given encouragement to record ‘Supergroovin’ by a reviewer of one of their educational books and the project is perfectly characterized by the title track. Shimmering with retro vibes and driven along by Gordon’s funky keyboards this fizzy slice of rhythm and groove is beautifully balanced by Villafranca’s velvety sax. ‘Past Present And Future Expressway’ is another grooving tune but one that takes a mid route diversion into something a little experimental while with ‘It Will Come Back To You’ Villafranca and Gordon find themselves firmly in mellow smooth jazz territory. ‘Seaside Adventures In Hollypool’ is jazzy with urgent brass and ‘Spiritual Seeker’, although equally brass driven, has a distinctly ‘swing meets funk’ feel to it.
However the album is not all about high octane energy and the Super Groovers prove this with the tranquil yet bluesy ‘To Our Loved Ones’. It’s a terrific feel good number that benefits from Villafranca’s excellent sax and there is more of the same on ‘To The T’. This Smooth Jazz Therapy favorite opens up in relaxed style but still finds a place for some funky sax while just as good is ‘Groovin With The Crowd’. Despite starting out introspectively it quickly gets on a Latin roll and mixes in more top notch sax along the way. Denis Poole www.smoothjazztherapy.com
Andrew, Truth in namefyin'! This is truely a super groovin' cd! I'll be using all tracks on my show "COOL JOOLZ" You tread the perfect realm of groovey jazzy beatz and great musicianship that so pleases my sense of "Oh yeah" "SUPER GROOVER & SPIRITUAL SEEKER" are my faves so far. How'd you channel Jimmie Smith on them pipes man!!! Please keep me on your active promo list. I'm on air year round (NON STUDENT)and do multi shows. Thanks, MITCHELL MENDYS WKNH KEENE STATE COLLEGE 229 MAIN ST KEENE N.H. 03435
The Super Groovers - Supergroovin’ 3/3 [Performance/Sound; 5/5 max] O's Notes: There are only two musicians on this recording. Frank Villafranca plays all saxophones and vocals with Andrew D. Gordon handling the rest; keys, p, g, b, drum programming and computer sequencing. All of the music was written, arranged and produced by the duo as well. They open with the title track and immediately set the mood to energetic R&B-laced jazz. This is followed up by "It Will Come Back To You", a mid tempo romancer featuring Frank on sax. They mix things up with syncopated funk, R&B and even some blues on "To Our Loved Ones". As we flipped through the liner notes, we noticed that Gordon and Villafranca have also published many contemporary music educational books. With Supergroovin', they practice what they preach! -- D. Oscar Groomes O's Place Jazz Newsletter P.O. Box 2437 Naperville, IL 60567-2437 http://www.OsPlaceJazz.com
The Super Groovers have produced an album with accessible fusion. Quite an achievement that this album is the result of the cooperation of 2 gentlemen. Some of the compositions are catchy. In my program of may 24th i will pay attention to this excellent cd Regards Rob v Alberda Radio E-FM Eindhoven Netherlands
This is a funky group which gets back to basics by providing music which is good to dance to and exciting to listen to - a heady mix. Tony Augarde BBC England
This Cd is very good. For all music lovers, no excuse to not have this CD right now on your CD player. Buy it, and you will have no regret and I'm sure like us, you will just love it. Gi Dussault Upper Room Radio Show Fairfield CT
Outstanding jazz project to have. The opening track just jumps out and grabs you shaking the musical daylights into you with a great mambo jazz style. After hearing all the tracks the music "will come back to you." A must have for your jazz collection, trust me! Leon Reyes KVMR Radio 89.5 FM Nevada City/Sacramento Ca Host: Leon's Jazz In A Box
You seem to have the slick production of smooth jazz but there is a certain hipness and rhythm to your music that makes it a cut above the rest. Sorta of LA "60 's groove meets Steely Dan... very cool. Stephen Rourke Singapore 365 radio
Great Album. Fantastic stuff for our Radio Station. Alex Pijnen BRTO Radio The Netherlands
This is an aptly named Recording it is certainly Super and it also Grooves to an exceptionally high level. This is quite simply a terrific C.D.the mixture works very well and the Compositions and Arrangements vary the Tempo with a fair degree of skill while retaining sound harmonies from first to last. Without wishing to single out any specific tracks I was very impressed with the Bluesy feel on "To Our Loved Ones" , superbly done. This is the kind of Music which goes down well on my Jazz Programmes on K.C.R. Full marks to ALL concerned. Best Wishes, John Reid, Keith Community Radio 102.8 FM Keith, Banffshire, SCOTLAND
The CD "Supergroovin" by your outfit The Supergroovers certainly left it's mark on us all and most certainly will receive some very good air-play on our leading Latin Jazz show "Fiesta Jazz" with Saul Zavarce Saturday 11am to 1pm. Peter Merritt PBS106.7FM Melbourne Australia
The Super Groovers are a very tight-sounding group that makes the best use of the saxophones, keyboards, guitar, bass, computer programming, etc. to create an upbeat sounding jazz/funk/latin/blues that will compliment any Jazz collection. Your music definitely compliments my playlist. Whitester Radio-Smooth Jazz
It is a very nice CD combining elements of smooth and straight jazz. I will be giving some of the tracks airplay on my shows. Cheers George FM New Zealand Mark Robinson
The Super Groovers "Supergroovin is great. Currently, I have two tracks in rotation Past, Present & Future Expressway and It will Come Back To You. Will add to most desirable CD list asap. Dante Toussaint "The Flow" Your Urban Jazz Connection WTLZ FM Hot 107fm Saginaw Michigan
After playing a couple of cuts from the release, I like it as well as some of the listeners. It will definitely be in the rotation. A very big sound, keep up the work. Randy Love KAWC Radio Yuma Arizona
"super groover" from "the super groovers-supergroovin" on the air, radio campus north of France "jazz à l'âme" www.campuslille.com, Tuesday April 3rd around 7 pm Claude Colpaert
This is a well constructed album with a fat sound. I have already played several tracks and will continue to feature this album on my "Early A.M. Attitude" program on 2CCR-FM 90.5, Sydney, Australia. Graham Johnson
What a great sound you have, I have played several of your tracks to date and plan to schedule more in future programs. Keep up the good work and please keep me up to date with your progress Regards Michael Criddle OzRadio [email protected] Australia
I make them know that I have received the CD thank you very much. I have liked the cd very much, am very interesting and of great quality and very advisable for the lovers of the good music. JOSEP PALMADA RED HOT BLUES RADIO VILAFANT SPAIN
Good disc, like the music very much. David McCrory 2NVR 105.9 Nambucca Heads NSW Australia
An enjoyable album with several tracks that I shall be playing on my program, especially tracks 2 & 7. In fact, I have already played track 2 on air and will be playing more shortly. All the best, Harold Ellison "The Jazz Cafe" TripleU-FM Nowra, New South Wales Australia
I just received your wonderful album. It is just fantastic - I especially love the first and fifth tracks. Thanks so much for the opporunity to review and play this great and funky material. Helen Jarroe Cairns FM89.1 Queensland Australia
Hi, i am not an Englisch Speaker, but i do my best. Your CD is very fine. I play it sometimes on the radio and at home. Best regards Kerstin Kröger Radio Kanal Ratte Schopfheim Germany www.kanalrattefm.de
Thanks for the CD Great work..excellent harmony and presentation, with a great variation in style, suiting most people. We have added: T.02 - It Will Come Back To You to our lists. Excellent CD, and stay in touch. Cheers Graham Soundwavefm New Zealand
Spiritual Seeker has a "hot big band vibe that will move the room. Rafe Gomez The Groove Boutique N.J.
Thank you very much for your promo. We introduced CD with your history and announced your internet details at Radyo SDU and planning a new program which is including your promo at national radio TRT. May it be easy and good luck… Murat Kasap Radyo SDU, Turkiye http://radyotv.sdu.edu.tr [email protected]
A fine selection of tracks that get regular airplay. Martin Smith Radio Seagull The Netherlands
Great work on this groovy disc full of great music.One to be proud of. Thank's George Young Country club productions pty ltd Australia
We added a couple tunes to our "Nightscapes" rotation on KPVL and www.kpvlradio.com. Thanks for sending it. We'll look forward to your next effort, too! Cookie Anderson KPVL-FM 89.1 www.kpvlradio.com Postville IA
Good music. Radio-friendly numbers. Armen Manukyan City-FM Yerevan Armenia
It swings it Rocks it's the Supergroovers. Cool cd I love it and so will the listeners. Swing2jazz / CHAI 101.9 FM Montreal Canada Bigbadbrenda
Super Groovers -- is that a great name for a jazz unit, or what? Whoever these fellows are, their eponymous track is melodic, energetic, hook-laden and has a summer-y vibe ... Carol Archer Radio & Records Magazine
Make no mistake about it… when you check out this new disc, you’re going to hear Jazz with a capital “J.” L.A.-based keyboardist/guitarist Andrew D. Gordon and sax man Frank Villafranca, calling themselves The Super Groovers, have put together an exceedingly cool collection of original contemporary jazz tunes, expertly embellished with elements of blues, funk, and Latin grooves. SUPERGROOVIN’ draws from their vast experience as performers and authors. In fact, they’ve published a whole series of instructional guides with titles ranging from “60 of the Funkiest Keyboard Riffs Known to Mankind” to “100 Ultimate Blues Riffs for Saxophone” to “Rhythm Guitar Workout," available through their A.D.G. Productions. So, the question is, do they eat their own cooking? Absolutely! They feast on it, as a matter of fact. This album is filled with a compelling retro vibe that’ll remind you at times of Booker T and the MG’s (check out the bluesy “To Our Loved Ones”) and at other times has more of a fusion feel, like something from the Crusaders or Herbie Hancock songbooks. In addition to the lead-off track, “Super Groover,” with its lively, festive Latin pulse, I especially dig the fast-paced “Seaside Adventures in Hollypool” and the Latin-flavored “To the T.” SUPERGROOVIN’ from The Super Groovers is a fun, festive musical romp offering a whole lot to like! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN SmoothJazz.com
Sax man Frank Villafranca and keyboard / guitar player Andrew D Gordon, aka The Super Groovers, have just released their aptly named debut album ‘Supergroovin’. Its a tight collection of eight expansive tracks that delivers exactly what the title suggests it should and for which Villafranca and Gordon also take the writing and production credits. Although, for them, ‘Supergroovin’ is something of a watershed they have in fact been part of the LA music scene for over twenty five years and, as well as recording with numerous musicians, have also carved out parallel careers in the field of musical education.
Indeed Villafranca is the author of two instructional jazz books, ‘Outstanding Saxophone Solos’ and ‘Blues Horn Ensemble Playing For Beginners’. Both are available through Andrew D Gordon’s music educational publishing company, ADG Productions, which he launched in 1991. Sixteen years on ADG has now published over 100 instructional books for most types of instruments and Gordon has personally written over 30 of them. He is also an accomplished composer, producer and arranger with experience that has enabled him create music for TV shows, film, theater and commercials. The track ‘Walking The Lonely Streets’ from his synthesizer solo album ‘Silhouette’ was used for a number of years as background music for the soap opera ‘General Hospital’.
The duo was given encouragement to record ‘Supergroovin’ by a reviewer of one of their educational books and the project is perfectly characterized by the title track. Shimmering with retro vibes and driven along by Gordon’s funky keyboards this fizzy slice of rhythm and groove is beautifully balanced by Villafranca’s velvety sax. ‘Past Present And Future Expressway’ is another grooving tune but one that takes a mid route diversion into something a little experimental while with ‘It Will Come Back To You’ Villafranca and Gordon find themselves firmly in mellow smooth jazz territory. ‘Seaside Adventures In Hollypool’ is jazzy with urgent brass and ‘Spiritual Seeker’, although equally brass driven, has a distinctly ‘swing meets funk’ feel to it.
However the album is not all about high octane energy and the Super Groovers prove this with the tranquil yet bluesy ‘To Our Loved Ones’. It’s a terrific feel good number that benefits from Villafranca’s excellent sax and there is more of the same on ‘To The T’. This Smooth Jazz Therapy favorite opens up in relaxed style but still finds a place for some funky sax while just as good is ‘Groovin With The Crowd’. Despite starting out introspectively it quickly gets on a Latin roll and mixes in more top notch sax along the way. Denis Poole www.smoothjazztherapy.com
Andrew, Truth in namefyin'! This is truely a super groovin' cd! I'll be using all tracks on my show "COOL JOOLZ" You tread the perfect realm of groovey jazzy beatz and great musicianship that so pleases my sense of "Oh yeah" "SUPER GROOVER & SPIRITUAL SEEKER" are my faves so far. How'd you channel Jimmie Smith on them pipes man!!! Please keep me on your active promo list. I'm on air year round (NON STUDENT)and do multi shows. Thanks, MITCHELL MENDYS WKNH KEENE STATE COLLEGE 229 MAIN ST KEENE N.H. 03435
The Super Groovers - Supergroovin’ 3/3 [Performance/Sound; 5/5 max] O's Notes: There are only two musicians on this recording. Frank Villafranca plays all saxophones and vocals with Andrew D. Gordon handling the rest; keys, p, g, b, drum programming and computer sequencing. All of the music was written, arranged and produced by the duo as well. They open with the title track and immediately set the mood to energetic R&B-laced jazz. This is followed up by "It Will Come Back To You", a mid tempo romancer featuring Frank on sax. They mix things up with syncopated funk, R&B and even some blues on "To Our Loved Ones". As we flipped through the liner notes, we noticed that Gordon and Villafranca have also published many contemporary music educational books. With Supergroovin', they practice what they preach! -- D. Oscar Groomes O's Place Jazz Newsletter P.O. Box 2437 Naperville, IL 60567-2437 http://www.OsPlaceJazz.com
The Super Groovers have produced an album with accessible fusion. Quite an achievement that this album is the result of the cooperation of 2 gentlemen. Some of the compositions are catchy. In my program of may 24th i will pay attention to this excellent cd Regards Rob v Alberda Radio E-FM Eindhoven Netherlands
This is a funky group which gets back to basics by providing music which is good to dance to and exciting to listen to - a heady mix. Tony Augarde BBC England
This Cd is very good. For all music lovers, no excuse to not have this CD right now on your CD player. Buy it, and you will have no regret and I'm sure like us, you will just love it. Gi Dussault Upper Room Radio Show Fairfield CT
Outstanding jazz project to have. The opening track just jumps out and grabs you shaking the musical daylights into you with a great mambo jazz style. After hearing all the tracks the music "will come back to you." A must have for your jazz collection, trust me! Leon Reyes KVMR Radio 89.5 FM Nevada City/Sacramento Ca Host: Leon's Jazz In A Box
You seem to have the slick production of smooth jazz but there is a certain hipness and rhythm to your music that makes it a cut above the rest. Sorta of LA "60 's groove meets Steely Dan... very cool. Stephen Rourke Singapore 365 radio
Great Album. Fantastic stuff for our Radio Station. Alex Pijnen BRTO Radio The Netherlands
This is an aptly named Recording it is certainly Super and it also Grooves to an exceptionally high level. This is quite simply a terrific C.D.the mixture works very well and the Compositions and Arrangements vary the Tempo with a fair degree of skill while retaining sound harmonies from first to last. Without wishing to single out any specific tracks I was very impressed with the Bluesy feel on "To Our Loved Ones" , superbly done. This is the kind of Music which goes down well on my Jazz Programmes on K.C.R. Full marks to ALL concerned. Best Wishes, John Reid, Keith Community Radio 102.8 FM Keith, Banffshire, SCOTLAND
The CD "Supergroovin" by your outfit The Supergroovers certainly left it's mark on us all and most certainly will receive some very good air-play on our leading Latin Jazz show "Fiesta Jazz" with Saul Zavarce Saturday 11am to 1pm. Peter Merritt PBS106.7FM Melbourne Australia
The Super Groovers are a very tight-sounding group that makes the best use of the saxophones, keyboards, guitar, bass, computer programming, etc. to create an upbeat sounding jazz/funk/latin/blues that will compliment any Jazz collection. Your music definitely compliments my playlist. Whitester Radio-Smooth Jazz
It is a very nice CD combining elements of smooth and straight jazz. I will be giving some of the tracks airplay on my shows. Cheers George FM New Zealand Mark Robinson
The Super Groovers "Supergroovin is great. Currently, I have two tracks in rotation Past, Present & Future Expressway and It will Come Back To You. Will add to most desirable CD list asap. Dante Toussaint "The Flow" Your Urban Jazz Connection WTLZ FM Hot 107fm Saginaw Michigan
After playing a couple of cuts from the release, I like it as well as some of the listeners. It will definitely be in the rotation. A very big sound, keep up the work. Randy Love KAWC Radio Yuma Arizona
"super groover" from "the super groovers-supergroovin" on the air, radio campus north of France "jazz à l'âme" www.campuslille.com, Tuesday April 3rd around 7 pm Claude Colpaert
This is a well constructed album with a fat sound. I have already played several tracks and will continue to feature this album on my "Early A.M. Attitude" program on 2CCR-FM 90.5, Sydney, Australia. Graham Johnson
What a great sound you have, I have played several of your tracks to date and plan to schedule more in future programs. Keep up the good work and please keep me up to date with your progress Regards Michael Criddle OzRadio [email protected] Australia
I make them know that I have received the CD thank you very much. I have liked the cd very much, am very interesting and of great quality and very advisable for the lovers of the good music. JOSEP PALMADA RED HOT BLUES RADIO VILAFANT SPAIN
Good disc, like the music very much. David McCrory 2NVR 105.9 Nambucca Heads NSW Australia
An enjoyable album with several tracks that I shall be playing on my program, especially tracks 2 & 7. In fact, I have already played track 2 on air and will be playing more shortly. All the best, Harold Ellison "The Jazz Cafe" TripleU-FM Nowra, New South Wales Australia
I just received your wonderful album. It is just fantastic - I especially love the first and fifth tracks. Thanks so much for the opporunity to review and play this great and funky material. Helen Jarroe Cairns FM89.1 Queensland Australia
Hi, i am not an Englisch Speaker, but i do my best. Your CD is very fine. I play it sometimes on the radio and at home. Best regards Kerstin Kröger Radio Kanal Ratte Schopfheim Germany www.kanalrattefm.de
Thanks for the CD Great work..excellent harmony and presentation, with a great variation in style, suiting most people. We have added: T.02 - It Will Come Back To You to our lists. Excellent CD, and stay in touch. Cheers Graham Soundwavefm New Zealand
Spiritual Seeker has a "hot big band vibe that will move the room. Rafe Gomez The Groove Boutique N.J.
Thank you very much for your promo. We introduced CD with your history and announced your internet details at Radyo SDU and planning a new program which is including your promo at national radio TRT. May it be easy and good luck… Murat Kasap Radyo SDU, Turkiye http://radyotv.sdu.edu.tr [email protected]
A fine selection of tracks that get regular airplay. Martin Smith Radio Seagull The Netherlands
Great work on this groovy disc full of great music.One to be proud of. Thank's George Young Country club productions pty ltd Australia
We added a couple tunes to our "Nightscapes" rotation on KPVL and www.kpvlradio.com. Thanks for sending it. We'll look forward to your next effort, too! Cookie Anderson KPVL-FM 89.1 www.kpvlradio.com Postville IA
Good music. Radio-friendly numbers. Armen Manukyan City-FM Yerevan Armenia