Euge Groove: Friday afternoon a great time to discuss 'Sunday Morning'

Absence makes the Groove grow Euger.
Sorry about that.
As unappealing as that pun is, there is some truth to it when it comes to describing “Sunday Morning,” the new album from smooth jazz sax star Euge Groove. As the Artist Formerly Known as Eugene Grove explains below, much of the disc was written while he was on the road in Europe with Tina Turner – far from home and feeling it, despite the vaunted company he was keeping.
The album – released six weeks ago on the Shanachie label – certainly seems more pungent than your standard smooth jazz, at least to these ears, warm but by no means wimpy. The melodies, such as those found in the title track, seem simultaneously catchier and more powerful, accessible in a way that carries no taint of being tailored for radio airplay. Even “Yes,” the one vocal track – and I generally disdain including such songs on smooth jazz albums – has a pleasing funk-lite sheen.
Here’s what Groove had to say about the project and a few other pertinent topics.

Question: I am struck by the sheer level of muscle on this disc – the uptempo tunes seem to swing a tad harder, the ballads seem to communicate their emotions in a larger way. What am I hearing in these tracks? What experiences shaped the composing and recording process?
Groove: Interesting that you perceived this disc as muscular. I have been hearing more that's it's mellower than my usual. I never really know how to gauge these things since I'm so involved every step of the way. I don't really get a first impression.
I had a few goals in mind for this disc. First was the writing. I wrote almost every track in Europe during the Tina Turner tour I did earlier this year. I was quite homesick and buried myself in the writing to pass the time. It was a very emotional time for me, so some of the slower songs are for sure more intense. Second, I wanted to concentrate on the sax more. So I let Paul Brown take on more of the production. Consequently, my sax playing was a bit more in shape. I felt looser to be able to perform more freely. I also found I was very inspired by the live rhythm section.

Question: You have played with a number of pop stars over the years. In particular, what impact did working with Joe Cocker and Tina Turner – both dynamic stage performers – have on your own live show?
Groove: Joe is one of us. He is a very simple guy in the fact that he just loves to do what he does. He is very intense and sings from the heart. It's always a joy to cut loose with him. He'll let the solos go on and on if he's feeling it. Tina is a lesson in micro-management. She knows what she wants and will not stop till she gets it. She is in control of every detail of her show and in the end the payoff is a wonderful experience for her fans.

Question: It's been a decade now since you launched your solo career. Looking back, do you feel any nostalgia for your struggling early years? And what's your take on the marked decline in recent years of the smooth jazz radio format?
Groove: Wow, 10 years. Nostalgia for the struggles? No, it's still a struggle. There were for sure a couple of years early on when I was making the transition from sideman that just about put me down. So I do have a great deal of pride for having stayed the course. I also learned a lot about humility. So hopefully I can keep a level head in situations good or bad.
As for the industry decline, it's really quite sad. To put your heart and soul into something, then have people steal it on the internet. Then have radio stations turn more corporate with their decisions and not present the music in a fresh or personal way. Add in the fact that labels are struggling to keep their lights on so there is less money for A&R of new acts. All I can do is try to keep each disc I make at the highest of standards.

Question: You'll be spending a week in January on a smooth jazz cruise. These seem to be growing in popularity, not just for smooth jazz fans but many other areas of interest. What are your expectations when it comes to being cooped up for a week with a shipload of smooth jazz fans?
Groove: Well, I've been on several now and they are a blast. Most of the fans are quite respectful so I don't get a cooped-up feeling. I actually enjoy hearing feedback from them on what they'd like to see. Each musician is at the top of their game so it really makes for some great shows. It is a highlight of the year for me for sure. I had to miss last year’s because of the Tina tour, so I'm really looking forward to this one.

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