Groove Frequencies

Groove Frequencies is a project by bassist, keyboardist and writer Johnny E. Stewart. He follows the concept to write smooth jazz music with a groove and bring in musicians that he has met through the years. All started with In The Groove in 2017, followed by Groove Frequencies (2018). Back To The Groove is the third album, available August 2, 2019.

The current live performance lineup consists of Jimmy Reid (saxophone), Clay Benjamin ( guitar), Vince Wiley (keyboards), Jason Meekins (drums) and Johnny E. Stewart (bass & keyboards). Guest musicians on selected tracks are Ryan Haynesworth (guitar), Dawoud Said (acoustic piano), and Sherree Patrice (vocals).

Johnny E. Stewart has written all songs with the exception of Happy Feelings, which was written by Frankie Beverly (Maze). "There’s a vibe Groove Frequencies’ music transmits and I write the music to ensure it doesn’t change", comments Johnny.

Jump right into the groove with the title song. Crystal clear sonic sound in a funky environment. If you like to listen to the saxophone, Jimmy Reid is the perfect choice for you. Forming several melody lines into a harmony at the same time is no easy task.

Just after the first notes you know The Beauty Of Love is a radio hit. The appealing melody lead by Jimmy's sax in combination with Clay's uplifting guitar pulls the spot-on trigger. My Renee conveys heartfelt romantic feelings, as only a love ballade can do. Jimmy is the messenger with Armor's arrows in perfect harmonies.

Latin Loose has something of a relaxed liberation, with Jimmy and Clay on their instruments emulating the state of ecstatic ecstasy. Smile For Me features Dawoud Said on acoustic piano. His performance is tight and has this loveable groovy timbre.

The bass powered Funky "J" awakes associations to bass albums of Wayman Lawrence Tisdale or Julian Vaughn. The song Happy Feelings was originally performed by Frankie Beverly and Maze for their groundbreaking album Maze in 1977. Their first album after the group changed the name and signed to Capitol Records. Sherree Patrice is the featured vocalist of this rendition, a singer with an impressive history only surpass by her prowess.

40 To Memphis is an homage to the interstate 40 connecting Tennessee's three largest cities Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville. The principle of playing together is lightened with small solo parts to a vibrant event. When You Believe shows the roots of the group with an instrumental hymn in gospel style. The reprise of My Renee sets the end point with a soft melody highlight.

With Back To The Groove Johnny E. Stewart keeps his promise and accomplishes his mission to bring the groove to the people. These hooked laden vibes will not miss their mark. - Hans-Bernd Hülsmann

GROOVE FREQUENCIES: After 75 years of combined service to the nation, Parris Spivey (Guitar); Eddie Norwood (Drums); and John Stewart (Bass Guitar & Keyboards) joined with Eddie Baccus Jr. (Saxophone, Flute & EWI – formerly of Pieces Of A Dream) to form Groove Frequencies. Together they have set out to share their unique smooth jazz sound with the release of their debut album “In the Groove”.
In 2005, while still on active duty in the United States Army, a mutual friend introduced John Stewart and Parris Spivey. This was the start of a lasting songwriting partnership. Already know in the smooth jazz community, Eddie Baccus Jr. came aboard and committed to their musical endeavors. During 2011, John Stewart left the Washington D.C. area relocating to San Antonio, where he would eventually meet Eddie Norwood. This meeting was the inspiration and catalyst for the formation of Groove Frequencies.
The group has composed a soulful mix of songs on their debut release “In The Groove”. The compositions showcase their versatility while simultaneously capturing the soulful melodic sound of Eddie Baccus Jr. This album gives the jazz listener a mix of soulful sax, sweet guitar, lush piano, and smooth bass instrumentals. I really like “All I Wanna Do”, the first single, which can be heard here on WJAB 90.9 FM – “The Home Of Smooth Jazz And Cool Vocals” (www.wjab.org). - THE VALLEY PLANET

Groove Frequencies are saxophonist BillyRay Sheppard, guitarist Tim Perry and keyboardist/bassist John Stewart. Their debut album In The Groove was released in 2017, now quickly followed by the self-titled sophomore album (2018).

The new album was written and produced by John Stewart. Guest musicians are guitarists Parris Spivey, and Ryan Haynesworth, drummer Jay Williams, and keyboardist Dawoud Said. Saxophone legend Gerald Albright and guitarist Blake Aaron shine also on guest appearances.

Stompin' at the Groove Shack is a tune that encapsulates the vibrant energy of a live band in all facets. Tight in arrangement, interaction and common pleasure, this group is the real deal.

A Gentle Rain brings the lovely sound of Tim Perry's guitar into the foreground with some echoes by saxophonist BillyRay Sheppard. Sensuous is Dawoud Said's place for keyboards and piano. His performance on the keys is simply stunning to say the least.

Love You More features Gerald Albright whose style of interpretation is always on the summit of harmony and emotion. Imagine This presents John Stewart on the bass in the lead and in the higher tone scale like the late Wayman Tisdale did in his best times.


Groovin' With Ray follows the pulse of infectious sax entertainment. There is not one shred of doubt that guitarist Blake Aaron carries Never Too Late to your heart, while vocalist Rena is entrusted with the somewhat ungrateful task of choruses fulfilling her mission with angelic voice.
On Forever Together BillyRay Sheppard cultivates the culture of gentle soothing saxophone. There is no little doubt of the romantic theme Breathless has to state. The trusted combination of bass and sax are dominant again. Like a Ray of Sun keeps the melodic language of love alive.
Groove Frequencies are showcasing with their new album a mosaic compiled with bits of colorful melodies and energetic grooves. A first call band with a great knowledge about entertainment. -

March 1, 2018

Now, here's a "Hey!" CD. This sophomore and self-titled release from a group of powerfully adept musicians calling themselves Groove Frequencies is about as hot, funky and loaded with great contemporary jazz/R&B grooves as you could ever want.

A very refreshing and full-bodied release catering to the smooth in you, it features the group's bassist, John Stewart, who also wrote and produced this fine project, saxophonist BillyRay Sheppard, guitarists Tim Perry, Parris Spivey, and Ryan Haynesworth, drummer Jay Williams and keyboardist Dawoud Said. Stewart also doubles on keys on several tracks.

In addition to this very impressive lineup, guest sax giant Gerald Albright and guitarist Blake Aaron join the group to contribute the sparkle they are so known for exuding. Sounds enticing? You know it! Add to that some seriously tight and well-written material, and you've got just what any real party needs.

Leading off with the funky and appropriately titled "Stompin' At the Groove Shack" (a truly self-defined mover and shaker), and following that with such gems as the melody-rich, head-bopping' "A Gentle Rain", the addictive, sassy, strolling' keys-led "Sensuous", the slow, soul-filled "Love You More" featuring the stellar sax of the always "on" Albright with vocals by Stewart (by the way, this duo also wrote this irresistible slice of romance), the infectious "Imagine This", which is the radio single from the album and features some cool lead bass work, the solid, clear and soulful sax of Sheppard on the mid-tempo, finger-snapping' "Groovin' With Ray", and four more that you'll find you simply must have in your playlist.

Seldom do artists crank out back-to-back releases so quickly (their 14-track debut "In the Groove" was released just last year). My guess is that these cats have grooves stored away in their collective minds just waiting to cut loose on an album. I don't see how it gets much better than Groove Frequencies, but I am already looking forward to their next project. A superior effort.

-Ronald Jackson - Ronald Jackson