When fears are grounded, dreams take flight.
Anon
Thus is the inspiration for the new single, “DREAMS” from The Groove Project. The song is the tenth in a monthly series of releases from the eight man musical group fronted by GRAMMY® Award nominated Musician & Producer ARUN SHENOY and acclaimed producer MATTHEW SHELL. The roster on “Dreams” also includes pianist LONNIE PARK, saxophonist MARCUS MITCHELL and special guest, Armenian pianist, VAHAGN STEPANYAN.
With each subsequent single, the group is working on a Smooth Jazz / Contemporary Jazz concept album about man’s fascination with flight. The project is in part, a posthumous tribute to Roshni Mohapatra (7 Jan 1980 – 13 Dec 2018) who had envisioned Shenoy’s previous project as a multi-sensory experience of music, art, animation and physical packaging. The Smooth Jazz / Contemporary Jazz album will be completed in the summer of 2020. You can read about each of the releases to date, here.
The Groove Project is slowing things down on “Dreams.” Whereas previous singles leaned more toward the “groove” side of their project, the new track stays true to its title. The tune opens with a gorgeous multi-part vocal harmony, providing the theme and only lyrics in the song, “If you close your eyes, you can fly in a dream.”
What follows is a mellow piano and saxophone-lead lullaby ballad. The relaxed vibe of congas and bass guitar provide the rhythm section as the two lead instruments create a smooth interwoven melodic mood. The track is beautifully recorded and performances throughout are impeccable. At the 3:30 mark the ensemble is joined briefly by a smooth and laid back guitar solo. “Dreams” sets a vibe and stays there, transporting the listener into a cool Jazz slumber.
Vahagn Stepanyan is an Armenian classically trained keyboard player, songwriter, composer, arranger, and producer specializing in jazz, R&B, funk, fusion, pop, gospel and film score. Throughout his career he has collaborated and performed with a wide variety of artists including some Grammy winners and industry notables. Vahagn owns and operates a professional recording studio in Armenia.
Aryun Shenoy made his first big splash on the international stage with a 2012 Grammy nomination for his debut Flamenco world fusion production titled RUMBADOODLE in 2012. His follow-up 2016 release with The Groove Project was voted album of the Year by Jazziz Magazine.
Arun’s cohort in The Groove Project, Matthew Shell is a music producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist from Rockville, MD. In the past Shell worked with the likes of Kenny Wesley, Marcus Johnson, Greg Adams, Grammy nominees Gerald Albright, Carolyn Malachi, and Grammy winners – Paul Jackson Jr. and Wouter Kellerman. Shell has charted internationally for his work with Jazz great Marcus Johnson’s Flo and Alternative Rock pioneers, O.A.R.
Jazz saxophonist, Marcus Mitchell has seventeen albums and a DVD to his name. Mitchell has worked with many artists such as Mike Phillips, Kim Waters, Marcus Johnson, and Destiny’s Child. He has headlined at the legendary Blues Alley Jazz Club in Washington, D.C. and performed at Jazz Festival in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, sharing the stage with Paul Taylor, Peter White and the Rippingtons.
Lonnie Park is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Park has many TV, movie scores, and Billboard chart appearances. He has toured, produced, and worked with legendary artists from country outlaw Merle Haggard to folk icon Peter Yarrow, and rock greats Cozy Powell and Chris Caffery.
“Dreams” was released on March 31st. You can listen to it hear, and on the Deep Indie Chill playlist. Follow the links below to connect with The Groove Project. Stay up to date on ach of the current and future releases.
