Buffalo Rising Online

Jul 4th 2008, 9:49am By Susan Marie

Grüvology grooves: Jazz, funk and blues. Grüvology is an expression of modern jazz and world beat including a mixture of standard tunes and original compositions. The groove is apparent with or without a drummer. This is fusion.

Grüvology members are Walter Kemp III on keys, Bernard Kunz on electric guitar, Efferin Fuse on bass with the accompaniment of Tim Webb, and Dave Phillips on percussion. Created May 2006 as the result of a duo performance by Walter and Bernard at Café Allegro in Buffalo, NY, Efferin was invited to a rehearsal and Grüvology was born.

Walter Kemp III took piano lessons from the age of 6 to 13, and later become a percussionist. At Virginia Union University, he completed studies in mathematics, returned to Buffalo at 23 and began playing keys. With a strong desire to play gospel and jazz, Kemp returned to piano at Music City. His first performance with a band was in "The 80s Reflex Band". Kemp's influences include gospel and classics, with a passion to present music with technique and integrity.

Efferin Fuse began bass in 1997 with inspirations from local bass players Calvin Palmer, Christopher Bowman and Jerry Livingston. In 1998 he studied music at Villa Maria College and met Tim Webb who provided much encouragement to his progress as a bass player. In 1999, Fuse was hired as a bassist at Calvary Baptist Church. From that point, he evolved as an artist and musician in order to inspire others.

Bernard Kunz started piano lessons in 4th grade and switched to guitar in 7th. Kunz's interests lie in jazz groups such as Chick Corea and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Kunz's major influences are Miles Davis, David Murray, and John Coltrane.

Kunz teaches guitar with Love Supreme School of Music and privately. He wishes to incorporate all influences in his compositions and improvisations. Grüvology advocates the exploration of improvisational jazz along with a rhythmic pulse. They seek to perform for audiences that enjoy live, spontaneous interaction with musicians based on a solid "grüv".

Their latest CD entitled, "1st Set" is precisely what they were aiming for. This 8 track disc places you in front of jazz, funk, groove, classical, classic rock and mood. Produced by Grüvology, recorded and mastered at BFT Tapehouse in Buffalo called "1st Set" is a mixture of all base music with a nod to the present day beat. "New Beginnings" is laid back and jazzy with a fresh back beat of guitar, percussion and keys. With a constant switch from composition to mood midstream, this tune feels like a Sunday afternoon.

"Slippery Slope" features Kunz on lead with Grüvology adding his own expertise to this experiment of sorts. This track has an ethereal feel to it, like a constant dream state. It is meditative in nature. "Include Rockin' Dennis" is upbeat with percussion apparent. This tune will get you in the groove. "3x+1" is a masterpiece. The title alone is an algebraic equation combining Kemp, Kunz, Fuse and Webb.

The artwork on "1st Set", designed by Dana Kemp, is a chemistry experiment mixed with mathematics, showing the nature of the band. Grüvology manages to take all art forms and produce music which can only be felt, seen and heard by seeing them live or grabbing this CD.

Check out: http://www.myspace.com/gruvology to connect with the guys, grab the CD and also their blog at: http://avocadoishyummythings.typepad.com/gruvology/. I had the pleasure of having Kemp, Kunz and Fuse in studio and they are the real deal. They believe in their art and have passion for music. You can catch them on Think Twice by scrolling down: http://www.thinktwiceradio.com/sue-marie/sue-marie.html and often at the historic Colored Musicians Club and Café Allegro. They are ever changing, always growing, constantly experimenting. Grüvology is art in every genre. They are fusion.