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WAYNE

CHARLIE

DENNIS

MARK

JAKE

RUSS

PAUL

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Blues and R&B band, WAYNE BUTTERY & THE GROOVE PROJECT was formed in March of 1998. Wayne reunited with a former organ and piano player from the late 60's and 70's, Bob Federer. Bass player and vocalist Charlie Hinkel was next to join forces with Wayne and Bob. Dennis King accepted an invitation to become the band's drummer after wrapping up another musical project. There first live performance as a quartet was in May of 1998. After performing in Ontario's Simcoe County in the Georgian Triangle for almost four years it became evident that it was time for the next phase. So in February 2001 along with some musician friends like Mike Roberts, Ronnie Douglas, Steve Thomas, Simon Wallis and Paul Robillard the band began production of their debut CD entitled WAITING. The response to date has been positive with plenty of radio air play on blues broadcasts world wide. John Taylor of Blues On Stage magazine wrote: The title track is a heartfelt ballad of heartbreak, stunningly effective in its straightforward simplicity. Maple Blues magazine's John Valenteyn writes: "Waiting", the title song (by Hinkel) and "Are You Doin' It Alone", with its acoustic intro, (by Buttery) are the best. "Waiting" is a well-written tender ballad done as a duo by Hinkel & Buttery and "Doin' It" is a mid tempo blues with a nice vocal and slide guitar parts. John Swartz of the Orillia Packet & Times explains: The band put together a very polished album, one that deserves to be in your collection. Shortly after the release of WAITING, four new members were added to the band's regular line-up. Trumpeter Paul Robillard, Russ Strathdee on tenor and baritone sax, John Shand who plays alto sax, guitar, bass and vocals plus Larry Kurtz on harmonica and vocals, LIVE AT TWISTERS is the band's second CD offering and features a sold out live performance recorded on December 1, 2002 at Twisters Roadhouse in Orr Lake near Midland, Ontario. Wayne and the guys had some fun recording mostly cover material on this live performance CD with the only non cover being a John Shand R&B original entitled My Baby Got The Love.

WAYNE BUTTERY Lead Vocals / Lead GuitarWayne has been entertaining audiences for more than four decades. In the early 1970's Wayne was one of the founding members of the well known Toronto based nostalgia show band, BANANAS. Later in the mid 1980's he went on to perform with MIDDLE AGED CRAZY'S and in 1989 Wayne founded PAUL HAMILTON & THE BLUENOTES. In 1993 Wayne and his family moved to Central Ontario's Orr Lake community which is about half way between Barrie and Midland near the town of Elmvale. Wayne often performs in local restaurants and resorts and in March of 1998 he formed WAYNE BUTTERY & THE GROOVE PROJECT and has never looked back. Over Wayne's career he has made several guest appearances with such well known artists as WILSON PICKETT, TINA TURNER, GARY US BONDS, JAY DOUGLAS, TONY FLAIM and RONNIE DOUGLAS. In April of 2004 Wayne Buttery & The Groove Project opened for the legendary JAMES COTTON BLUES BAND. For several years Wayne sat on the ORILLIA SPRING BLUES FESTIVAL board of directors. Although he resigned after the 2003 season, he continues to make use of his internet skills as the festival webmaster. www.OrilliaSpringBlues.com

Mister Funky C

CHARLIE HINKEL Electric Bass & Vocalist.Every well-built structure begins with a strong and solid foundation. This is certainly the case when it comes to Charlie's unique and funky style of playing bass. His clear, natural lead vocals and song writing skills make for a winning musical combination. Charlie's former credits include: WEST AVENUE, JENNETTE BRANTLEY, JOEY HOLLINGSWORTH, PAUL CHRISTOPHER, RETRO, THE BARREL WORKS BAND. Charlie also performed several times as a session player for CATCH A RISING STAR.

DENNIS (THE SHUFFLE) KING Drums / Percussion / VocalsAt the core of the band's foundation you will find Dennis King. A.K.A. The Shuffle King. Dennis's Chicago Shuffle is reminiscent of a fast moving freight train. Along with his obvious talent as a drummer Dennis brings both lead and harmony vocals to the table. Some of Dennis's former credits include: ART LARMAND & ODESSA, THE HITCHHIKERS, THE MIKE ROBERTS BAND, GORD WARD & THE RECOLLECTIONS, LEE HOLLINGSWORTH, THE MARTELLS and THE JOHN MARSHALL BAND. Dennis has also appeared with MARTY ROBINS, THE OAKRIDGE BOYS and THE BELLAMY BROTHERS.

Ivory Mark Rutherford B-3 Organ / Piano / Lead Vocals

Mark Rutherford began his music career during the fertile 60s music scene in Winnipeg, gaining experience as a composer and bandleader through the 70s . This culminated in a move to Toronto in 1976 as DIANNE HEATHERINGTON’s Musical Director. For the next 15 years, he toured with DINAH CHRISTIE, BUFFY STE. MARIE, LOUISE PITRE, and numerous Toronto-based bands, playing concerts, stage shows and other gigs across Canada as well as in Detroit, New York, Los Angeles, Europe and the Middle East. Though Mark is comfortable in a variety of musical styles, his first love is jazz and blues. Besides Mark's newest role as a performing member of the Groove Project, he has also been leading the MARK RUTHERFORD QUARTET and focusing on developing his award-winning compositions. Mark.is a welcome addition to our line-up.

HARPBOY JAKE Blues Harp, Vocals and PercussionBrian Jago A.K.A. Harpboy Jake brings a slick, polished Chicago style of playing harmonica to our line-up. He is also a fine lead vocalist, plays congas and a host of many other assorted percussion instruments. A native of Collingwood, Jake now makes his home in Barrie, Ontario. Some of Jake's musical projects include performances with Cordon Blues, Rick Curtis in Tyde and The Mike Roberts Band. Jake also has fond memories performing with the late Bill Kinnear. We are happy to announce that Jake is now a regular performing member of THE GROOVE PROJECT.

RUSS STRATHDEE (DOCTOR SAX) Tenor, Alto, & Soprano Saxophone Click Here For Russ's Website.Russ Strathdee, A.K.A. Doctor Sax is no stranger to the Central and Southern Ontario area. Russ has been performing with such acts as THE MAJESTICS featuring Shawne & Jay Jackson, THE FIG LEAF JAZZ BAND, MOONGLOW and THE MARTELS. Russ's smooth delivery and musicianship speaks for itself. He not only delivers the goods, his enthusiasm and charismatic energy remain unsurpassed. Russ has been pleasing audiences for more than four decades and we are proud to have him as part of the Groove Project's musical team.

PAUL (SWEET LIPS) ROBILLARD Trumpet & PercussionPaul hails from Penetanguishene and made his first appearance as trumpeter on our debut CD, WAITING. Paul is a former member of WEST AVENUE and contributes greatly as an arranger for our brass section. Besides his obvious skills as a trumpet player, Paul is a very accomplished drummer and percussionist as demonstrated by his performance in CONGO SQUARE which can be found on the LIVE AT TWISTERS CD.

Special Thanks

We would like to thank Bob Federer, Michael Keys, Larry Kurtz, John Shand, Larry Bodner, Paul Hamilton, Thomas Hutton, Larry Douglas, Ronnie Douglas, Mike Roberts, Chris Howells, Simon Wallis, Phil Papa, Noel Lesperance and Mitch Beube for their live performance and studio contributions. Through their musical skills, knowledge and influence, they have helped shape the band's musical evolution. For this we remain forever grateful.

Past But Not Forgotten Band Members

BOB FEDERER B-3 Organ / Electric Piano www.bobfederer.com From March 1998 until July 2004Back in the late 1960's and throughout the 1970's Bob performed with Wayne in a number of musical projects including BANANAS. Later, in the early 1980's Bob became a session player and recording engineer when he founded Round Sound Recording Studios. Together with his partner DOMENIC TROIANO, they carved out a recording and musical legacy for more than fifteen years. Some projects included sound stage for celebrities such as ANNE MURRAY, LENNY BREAU and OSCAR PETERSON. Bob was the driving force behind the scenes of some popular 1980's American Broadcast Television shows that included NIGHT HEAT, TOP COPS, COUNTERSTRIKE, BLUE JAYS BASEBALL and many others. Although Bob is no longer with our regular line-up of musicians, he certainly has been, is, and will always remain a friend and a valuable part of our family of band members. Whenever the opportunity presents its self, Bob will always be welcome to perform with our new line-up of players. Bob and his wife Colleen now call Nova Scotia home where Bob spends much of his time sailing and sitting in with local acts while the Maritime landscape provides Colleen with plenty of photo opportunities.

LARRY KURTZ Harmonica & Vocals From April 2002 until November 2004 Larry provides his own exciting brand of Chicago style blues harp. He is also an accomplished lead vocalist and song writer. Larry and his family make their home in Orangeville, Ontario where he can be found performing from time to time with his long time friend Bruce Ley. Together they call themselves TROUBLE & STRIFE. Besides his musical talents on harmonica and as a lead vocalist, Larry has also made the time to organize the now famous Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival. http://webhome.idirect.com/~larryk/

MICHAEL KEYS B-3 Organ / Piano / Lead Vocals www.michaelkeys.com From April 2004 until October 2004Michael has over 40 years of performing experience and he, like the rest of us, is still learning! Michael began his musical career in Toronto's infamous Yorkville Village during the mid-1960's where he formed and played with a number of R'n B bands. Later, he became a member of the "top 40" recording band "CAT". Before joining the Groove Project, Michael spent three years with Robbie Lane and the Disciples. Michael has performed with a number of musical artists and bands over the years including: FRANK COSENTINO, THE METEORS, KILLIN' JIVE (Swing Band), MITCH LEWIS, THE HIPTONICS, TRICK BAG, THE BEAR BAND, JAMIE OAKS, RICHARD "KING BISCUIT BOY" NEWELL, and many other "Corporate" and "Club" acts, playing every kind of music.

Nov 23, 1947 - Nov 2, 2006

JOHN SHAND Guitar, Bass, Saxophone, Vocals and Friend.John was an incredibly versatile and intense musician. He always delivered a solid performance on guitar, bass, lead vocals, and saxophone. John's contributions as a song writer were second to none. John had a long musical history that included performances with MANCHILD, NANCY WHITE, BOB McBRIDE, LE GANG, BLUES PARLOUR AND THE GROOVE PROJECT. He has also worked extensively as a session player in many of the major recording studios in and around the Toronto area. We have been very fortunate to have had the pleasure of performing with such a well rounded, creative musician and composer. John and his music will definitely be missed.

LARRY BODNER Tenor and Alto Saxophone Click here to send Larry an email message.An accomplished musician, Larry Bodner has been professionally performing for over thirty years. He has been teaching at Dave Snider Music for twelve years and at Venture School of Music on Jarvis Street, in which he owns. He studied for two years at Humber College, and then furthered his studies at North Texas State University and three summers at The Manhattan School of Music's Jazz program. His teaching skills include blues, jazz, classical, basic theory and harmony and Larry has also hosted horn workshops for the Toronto Blues Society. Teaching influences have been Pat Labarbara, Bob Mover and Barry Harris. He has performed extensively throughout the United States and Canada, toured Germany, Cairo, Cyprus and Israel in the Frontline 90 Show during the Gulf war. He has played and recorded with such names as DOWNCHILD BLUES BAND, MUDDY WATERS, UB40, and Canada's own LIGHTHOUSE, plus dozens of local and international artists, Larry leads his own Toronto based Jazz combo (sax, piano, drums and upright bass), specializing in bebop and jazz; standards. The quartet has performed in venues for the DuMaurier Jazz Festival and had a regular stint at Madapples Restaurant in the Bloor West Village. Among other engagements, the quartet was honored to perform at the Kings Medical Center in Toronto and recently at the newly acclaimed Alley Catz Jazz Bar. In May of this year, Larry released his own CD of the quartet entitled "Still Standin? Still", consisting of jazz standards and original compositions. Besides his easy going personality, Larry's skills as an arranger and musician are a welcome asset to our line-up.