The GG Group is the live version of the recent album „ABQ“ When looking for terms and names to describe this album, the attempt will leave you with a wide spectrum between jazz and fusion music encompassing groovy funk with guitar Scofieldisms (Giant Steps) and poppish Striani guitar instrumentals (Anthem) to fierce discharging jazz rock storms (Albuquerque Road) – partly even with the use of loops and samples.There is no arbitrariness in this wide array of musical styles and influences, as the band – selected team players from the international jazz/fusion scene and the dream players for Gerald Gradwohl's USA recording project – renders the stringent compositions in a committed and playfully individual manner, putting its high-quality inventive signature to the music and thus producing an album that derives its uniqueness and independence from a sure, pro-active and listening interaction of experienced musician personalities. Gradwohl can jump into and out off the stylistic changes like a true chameleon. He has ventured further into exploratory fusion on this effort than on any of his previous efforts. Having the support and backing of the great rhythm section has really made this venture for Gradwohl into tribal funk fusion a viable effort of world class caliber. (... if they really could be called "backing" because I don't think they are content to stay there and I doubt they see it that way, as themselves being "backing", as may in reality be the case because this effort is more like a well-balanced quartet with each member keeping their own...)
The great variety in composition and playing will not only fascinate Jazz and Fusion lovers-watch out for exciting live gigs!
In 2003/2004 the GG Group presented "ABQ" live on several tours and festivals with this following line up:
Thomas Kugi-sax, Kirk Covington-drums, G.G.-guitar, Harry Weinkum-bass
