The Groovalottos, Mashpee, MA
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a jam session, making the kind of music that they liked, treating soul, funk and blues like traditions as opposed to outdated genres.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.
The GroovaLottos are a powerhouse soul-funk-blues band, said to play with their souls instead of their hands. A high energy band on a mission to unlock the spirit and the soul; and growing up mentored by and playing for a who's who of classic soul, funk and blues legends, these journeymen 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, drums and vocals; Mwalim Daphunkee Professor, keyboards and vocals; and Richard Johnson, bass, and child prodigy percussionist and MC, The Z.Y.G.
Journeymen musicians who've made the journey from boys to men, 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 Gospel, Jazz and R&B artists throughout the East Coast. The Z.Y.G. first headlined at the Boston Jazz Fest in 2015 at age 12.
In March of 2016, Their debut single, “Do You Mind (IfWeDanceWitYoDates)?” premiered on the syndicated “Direct From Muscle Shoals” radio show and remained in the top ten of the Indie Blues charts for 41 weeks. A completely self-contained 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.
The GroovaLottos are available for tours, performances, festivals, and private events as well as Lectures, Workshops and Residencies.
