Once upon a time, a group of veteran touring players and studio musicians
decided to get together for a jam session, making the kind of music that they
liked, treating soul, funk and blues like traditions as opposed to outdated
genres. Over time, these jam sessions turned into rehearsals, the opportunity
for gigs came about and a band was born.
Need to get back into the groove of life? The GroovaLottos are your ticket getting
phunked up! The GroovaLottos are a powerhouse soul-funk-blues band, said to
play with their souls instead of their hands. All having grown up mentored by and
playing with a who’s who of classic soul, funk and blues legends; The GroovaLottos
are keepers of a musical tradition and legacy, rich with storytelling and infectious
grooves. Incredible music and wild senses of humor make them one of the most
entertaining bands around.
The GroovaLottos are comprised of Eddie Ray Johnson (Cherokee & Choctaw),
drums and vocals; Mwalim Daphunkee Professor (Mashpee Wampanoag),
keyboards and vocals; and Richard Johnson, bass, and child prodigy percussionist
and MC, The Z.Y.G.(Mashpee Wampanoag). Their music is a exploration and
celebration of the merge between eastern First Nations and West African musical
forms that became the blues and funk.
A high-energy fellowship of life-long musical journeymen on a mission to unlock
the spirit and the soul; by 19, Eddie Ray was on a three-year national tour,
playing for the likes of Rufus Thomas and Wilson Pickett. Before age 14, Mwalim
performed at Carnegie Hall and by 16, was one of the youngest session players in
EMI Records history. Also having performed at Carnegie Hall by age 15, Richard
has been and remains a very sought after bass player by touring and recording
Gospel, Jazz and R&B artists throughout the East Coast. A gifted jazz-fusion
drummer The Z.Y.G. first headlined at the Boston Jazz Fest in 2015 at age 12 and
made his debut as an MC on an underground mixtape by TMK Squad. He is also
featured on the anti-opioid anthem “Flippin’” by the Soul Poet’s Syndicate.
Their debut single “Do You Mind (IfWeDanceWitYoDates)?” premiered on the
syndicated “Direct From Muscle Shoals” radio show in March of 2016 and
remained in the top ten of the Indie Blues charts for 41 weeks. A completely selfcontained
songwriting, performance and production unit, it’s the goals of The
GroovaLottos to keep making music for their growing fan base as well as write and
produce for other soul, blues and jam band artists.
In April of 2017 they opened the Gathering Of Nations Powwow, playing in the
arena and performing in front of 48,000 people live. Their debut album, “Ask Yo’
Mama” was released shortly after that and has been appearing on the Jam Band,
Indie Blues and Classic Soul Charts ever since. The GroovaLottos are available for
tours, festivals, and private events as well as lectures, workshops and residencies.
For More Info:
http://www.TheGroovaLottos.com
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