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3/1/06 My heart was heavy indeed. I am the "Tommy Burns" mentioned in that 1964 Star article about our band, The Playboys --Lowell's first band. (There is a link to that story on this website, and --as happened when I rediscovered Lowell after so many years-- when I read it here I was filled with a joy that was painful, and a pain that has tried to be joyful at having known Lowell). During our years at Wakefield High School in Arlington we had many adventures in addition to our musical jouneys. Funny, poignant, passionate, serious, outrageous, respectful, iconoclastic . . . much like Lowell himself. Lowell and our first pianist, Jim Parker, were the two most important mentors I had then, in my nascent desire to be a jazz guitarist. Neither Lowell nor Jim was a guitar player, and we certainly weren't playing anything resembling jazz in our R&R/R&B band, but Lowell instinctively understood what I was interested in, and why. His early passion for Gene Krupa and jazz, his intense musical discipline and knowledge of music theory, were priceless resources for a self-taught guitar kid desperate to find the Rosetta Stone for the kind of music I eventually played for decades after. Lowell, my friend, I hope you are still laughing about how I tried to learn how to drive a car with a clutch --via on-the-job-training-- as we attempted to get home after a gig when our dear friend and bass player, Joe Owens, had one of his first experiences with alcohol and couldn't/shouldn't/didn't drive that night. I promise you, I can drive a stick-shift now, and I don't pop the clutch as I did repeatedly that night, causing poor Joe to donate his dinner to the accompaniment of your merry laughter. And I think you would have liked the jazz guitarist I became. I miss you, old friend. And thank you, Janice, for writing to me. I hope some of the memories Lowell and I shared will bring the softness of sweet gentle joy to you, to augment how lucky you were to have shared Lowell's life. Tom Burns (But perhpas I'll always be "Tommy") Tucson, Arizona - Wednesday, March 01, 2006 at 16:25:03 (PST) So sorry to learn of Lowell's death (from mutual friend & guitarist Eric Johnson). I had the pleasure of playing with him briefly during the summer of 1968 with a fun "supergroup" featuring Eric (rhythm guitar), Bruce Nichols (lead), G.E. Wootten (bass) & myself on lead vocals. I later went on to play with the Grandeurs just after Lowell had left the band. No other drummer I've ever worked with had his amazing style & skill. And no other musician I've ever known was as much fun or interesting no know. Although it's been over three decades, I remember Lowell just like it was yesterday. Sorry we never got to see each other as "old men." May his memory & spirit last forever! Dan Rucker Midlothian, VA mcjodan@netscape.net - Saturday, February 18, 2006 at 11:01:35 (PST) Hello from Mike Smith's brother. I was saddened to hear we lost another local drummer. Lowell actually sent Mike money in November to help defray HIS medical costs - very generous indeed. Here's to Lowell & Mike - may their spirits soar. Tom Smith - Friday, January 27, 2006 at 11:50:51 (PST) I was very saddened to read online about the passing of the Shuffelmonster this January. What a kind and sweet hearted man with a terrific bod. He will be truly missed. May he rest in Peace, XXOO Lu Ann and Libby (Summit Station) - Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at 13:02:35 (PST) To All the Friends of Shufflemonster, Lowell was a huge spirit, a creative artist who helped me find my place . . . align my outsides with my insides. I miss him terribly. The Quest that he began must be continued, and it is my mission to continue our exploration of musical skills and concepts . . . to go deep into the soul of the music and play from the heart. I would like to share Shufflemonster’s last written message to me. It is a message for all musicians, for all artists, for anyone on a Quest. Here is his guidance: December 12, 2005 The Fancy (Funky, Hairy, Difficult) Beats will come when they come. It’s not about ‘when’ or ‘how soon.’ It’s about Attention/Intention and Proper Student Attitude, Discipline, Style . . . it’s about Karma . . . the Pursuit of Passion . . . the Love of Rhythm/MUSIC . . . the optimism and confidence of knowing that you Possess within your Power The Means Whereby To Solve The Riddle & Meet Your Goals. SeeYaLaterMostExcellentCool&CosmicDrummerFriend&Mentor Your Groovestress, For Sure, For Always Be Free, Be Light - Thursday, January 19, 2006 at 12:16:31 (PST) You will be missed, Lowell. It's small comfort that now you and your dog, Boy, are reunited. Cherie - Friday, January 13, 2006 at 11:53:22 (PST) Rock on Lowell. You are remembered. Billy Hancock - Friday, January 13, 2006 at 11:35:26 (PST) Hey old friend, just know that many of us were lucky to know you and glad to share in some of your life. My garage was never the same after you left. Brooks - Friday, January 13, 2006 at 06:35:35 (PST) I was saddened to hear of Lowell's passing. We only spoke a few times, but he came across as a great person with a deep and abiding love for music. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and bandmates. J.P. McDermott - Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 17:04:51 (PST) Dear Lowell, I will miss you very much. You were a great friend and presence in the D.C. musical community, and you turned me on to a lot of cool drum ideas and knowledge. When I first met you, I didn't know what an individually adjustable, supersensitive snare was, or what a bowtie t-rod was, or whatever. Still don't know as much as you of course on vintage drums. We had some great trades, me getting into the red sparkle drum (Gretsch) thing, and you ending up playing out that 1967, slightly-scratched-from-up-close but beautiful from a few feet away, Ludwig Psychedelic Red set, that I traded with you one day, a true rock and roll legend kit, the sound of warm maple, rock and roll all they way, I was honored that you were using that kit and it's pictured so much on your site. But besides the drum equipment, which is really just the still-important means to an end, just talking to and being with you was always a blast. Like the time we both ended up at the Joe Morello clinic/concert at the Clarice Smith Center, or similarly when we both went to the fantastic-but-WAY-too-loud Leon Russell Show at Jammin' Java (Leon's volume preference, I understand). I wish I could see a copy of your appearance on The Tonight Show with Little Egypt, if it exists somewhere. All my love and prayers, to you, and to Janice. Rob Howe Bethesda, Maryland January 12, 2006 - Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 10:46:21 (PST) The Quest The very name 'GrooveQuest' beckons openness to exploration of musical skills and concepts, to go deep into the soul of the music and play from the heart. The name 'GrooveQuest' serves as an ever-present reminder that there is always more to encounter, experience, and learn in the vastness of music and rhythm. --Shufflemonster - Thursday, January 05, 2006 at 08:53:19 (PST) Hello out there . . . The Questbook is back in working order. Sorry if you wanted to post a message and it didn't show up. Feel free to give it a try now. . . . Rock and Roll and the Spirit of America are ONE!! - Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at 12:45:42 (PST) GrooveQuest intends to approach each performance with: **An attitude of good-natured fun and team spirit **A 1950’s optimism, joy, and exuberance, mixed with a 60’s idealism **A belief that “Rock n’ Roll and the Spirit of America are one and the same **An ageless, timeless, romanticism, and passion **A hope and faith that decibels may once again be managed and moderated **A belief that rhythm and groove are the heart and soul of music, life, the cosmos **A belief that it all really matters. - Thursday, July 28, 2005 at 06:52:10 (PDT) Grovemonster, you Dog, Thanks for the update. Back in the Day, I saw Nils Lofgren with his band Grin at the Emergency on M street. He used a Fender Super Reverb (Jim's got one), and a Roto-Vibe (predecessor of the phase shifter). Blew my head off. Met Nils once, me and a friend stepped out for a smoke and some fresh air, and a minute later, so did he, and we chatted. Don't think I ever actually met Roy. It must be the vivid descriptions from friends. M street was like that at the time (mid-late 60s). Just walking and checking what was hapening at the various bars. All The Best, Ken Cutler - Sunday, June 05, 2005 at 13:30:06 (PDT) I've checked out the website and hope to see you perform soon. Robin - Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at 18:33:27 (PDT) Hey Lisa....glad see you guys are still goin'....gotta come see you if I can EVER get a night off when y'all are working. Kevin,the big tall former Sherwood bassman,now with the DangerTones. www.dangertones.com - Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at 20:17:44 (PDT) March 17, 2005 HAPPY BIRTHDAY 'GROOVESTRESS' aka Lisa Thank You for another Great Year of Artistic Magic! You have provided an Extraordinarily Inspirational 'Bass of Operations' which has enabled the Creative Outpouring, Existential, and Transendental Journey that is GrooveQuest. Thanks also Groovestress, for being The Most Supportive, Exuberant, and Groovyest Bassist I've ever known! :-) Here's hoping that this comming year will be equally Groovaliscious!!!! Your Friend, and Drum-Beat'n-Buddy Shufflemonster [of Planet Groove] - Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 17:37:14 (PST) As Shufflemonster says . . . GrooveQuest is From the Heart From the Soul Essential Spirit of Rock 'n' Roll Through the Groove TO YOU - Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 14:23:58 (PST) Minähän olen sitä koittanut aina sanoa, että Elvis elää. Good. Tästä on hyvä jatkaa. http://personal.inet.fi/perhe/chevrolet/ - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 23:34:15 (PST) Hellllooo Groovequest, Enjoyed your gig at Summit Station in downtown MD last Thurs (March 3). Don't usually get-down on a "work night" but couldn't help myself; your groove got to me. Are you becoming like the local Traveling Wilbury's with really great musicians showing up at your gigs. All those performers on stage reminded me of seeing Clinton (the for life President of One Nation Under a Groove) and Funkadelic crowding on stage a few months ago, except I wasn't getting that kind of a contact hi if you know what I mean. Not to digress, I had a great time at your gig and Groovequest is to blame, ALL OF YOU. Re core group, Steve's wailing on the sax was a nice surprise; when did that start. Reggafied Yellow Moon was a treat. Nice jammin on those stretched out versions of several songs. Really enjoy Lisa closing the show with See You Later Alligator. Her vocal and the band's arrangement is very close to the Bobby Charles original. (I was there.) Groovequest, you are crossing the line!!! Are you jazz, Vegas, or juke joint??? See you soon. REGARDS ... FAN-tom - Thursday, March 10, 2005 at 11:56:20 (PST) Thanks for helping out on stage and from the floor on Bill's recent gigs at that little jazz club in DC. Looking forward to more musical interaction in the future. Harmonica Blu BluXpress@mfire.com www.HarmonicaBluXpress.com - Thursday, February 24, 2005 at 09:17:05 (PST) Hello Groovequest! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Hope to see you kicking out the jams on a regular basis in 2005. I caught some really good Groovequest moments on my videocam during your appearances at Night of 100 Elvises in Baltimore on Dec 3 and 4. The colors are so vivid and nifty on my digital tape originals, that they sort of jump the track when I dub to VHS; i.e., the quality is O.K. on VHS, just not comparable to the originals. Am planning on getting a standalone DVD burner within the next week or two and will experiment with dubbing directly to DVD via firewire from the originals. One way or another you will get to see some cool Groovequest performances in front of hundreds of screaming fans at this event, as shot by me! One little moment of silence here: Word just came out that Hank Garland died. I know Chet Atkins was involved in some of Elvis key hitmaking RCA sessions, but is was Hank Garland who primarily took over lead guitar during the classic Elvis hits period when Scottie Moore moved on. Keep on rockin in 2005! REGARDS ... FAN-tom - Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 21:22:01 (PST) Wishing you a very happy thanksgiving. Victor - Thursday, November 04, 2004 at 08:10:06 (PST) Hi your site is somehow linked to our blue,s club e,mail anyhow there is an article about Gene Meros, sax player/ engineer.Excellent in both capacities. He played and recorded as well as engineered an album with my band in 1981&'82. I have not seen nor spoken to him since and would like to contact him if you have any info please contact Buddy Owen via kidbuddyblue@yahoo.com thank you - Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 21:53:09 (PDT) Thanks for the Band compliment Bill. True, GrooveQuest showed alot of heart---on the mountain, in the rain---. But, hey, GrooveQuest is all about Heart, Soul, Rhythmn, Blues, and Dauntless Spirit. In fact, (seems like a righteous time to say it) --- GrooveQuest, Rock&Roll, and the Spirit of America are One!!!! ---- And, you "Mashout" folks are wonderful to play for. Thanks also Bill, for the personal recognition. From my perspective, Any opportunity to accompany Zeva is always a most Joyous occasion [ and "Joy" is my MO]---kind of reminiscent of my (back-in-the-day) cross country tour with "Little Egypt" :-) September 11, 2004 Lowell --- Shufflemonster of GrooveQuest - Saturday, September 11, 2004 at 11:41:00 (PDT) A big shout out to the band for another great show at this year's MASHOUT! You put on an exceptional performance, getting in two good sets before the skies opened up. Everyone had a terrific time. Nice photos in your Pics section. Always a joy seeing Lowell and Zeva performing together. Let's do this again next year! Cheers, Bill Ridgely MASHOUT XVII Coordinator - Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 09:38:14 (PDT) HEY Groove questers - I see you liked the 'text trails' java script on the Twangmasters web page you're using it here. Pretty cool stuff huh? I stole it myself from someone. Keepagroovin' Roy R (Bassist) - Wednesday, August 18, 2004 at 06:05:56 (PDT) Yo! Played with Jim TerMatt years ago. He is a master of the Stratocaster. Thin tones & fat tones, all are in his hands. Only choice and reason determine his commands. Except for Steve O'Brian,selecting tunes he likes. Instructing the crowd, "You know who wrote that... that's right, Willie Dixon". Showing us that he knows more about R & B than we do. True,.. gonna get another beer. Tear it up tonight. Make 'um all come home. - Friday, August 13, 2004 at 22:36:31 (PDT) Wow! What a web site! It is very easy to navigate and very informative. You all are becoming very professional and I'm honored to be a fan. I just wish I could hear your music live and in person...the CD is great though. Thanks for sharing your talent. Love, Karen (GrooveQuest sister) Dallas/Ft Worth, Texas - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 11:35:51 (PDT) WOW! Neighbor’s hosted a very special evening of entertainment this past Saturday, May 29 ---starting with the multi-talented, Super Star, Melanie Mason, singing and playing acoustic selections from her new CD. For those who have not as yet had the good fortune to become familiar with Melanie’s performance, she is an exceptionally talented “Blues” singer, songwriter, lead guitarist (both acoustic and electric) and a very effective bandleader. Following Melanie Mason was the ‘Shufflemonsters’, playing very danceable, groove-oriented American Roots Music. Special thanks to Rob Kilgore, organizer, lead vocals, front man, and lead guitar, who brought together the excellent musicians in the band – Pat Puglisi on guitar, Korg, and vocs; Alan Franks on Lead Guitar and vocs; and Brian Smith on Bass. Thank you also Rob for the great art work on the poster. I feel a debt of gratitude and desire to say “Thanks” to audience/local fans, Bill, Alie, and Jackie. Your consistent and continued enthusiastic support is greatly appreciated! Also, Bill, Thank You for the video taping of the performance. Dr. Randals, Thank you for your encouragement and patronage. And ‘Fan-Tom’ thanks for your professional video creations and traveling all the way from the Zoo Bar. Last and certainly not least, special Thanks are due to my fellow vacationing Groove Quest Band Mates, Steve and Lisa (Groovestress) O’Brien, who generously, in every way, (behind the scenes) supported, encouraged and helped facilitate this special night of entertainment. And Hamid, thank you for having the Most User-friendly Venue in Town with GrooveQuest as House Band! Stay Tuned Friends and Neighbors for more dynamic GrooveQuest-hosted entertainment with special guests artists at Neighbor’s in future months! ……….Shufflemonster - Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 06:23:38 (PDT) Groove Quest: Great show on Saturday (5/22), Erica and I had a great time. Thanks so much for letting me sit in with the band. You made me feel like a star. You guys are a great band with a great sound. Keep the quest going, I will do my part to help fill those seats. See you next time! Jonathan Sawhook Arlington, VA - Monday, May 24, 2004 at 07:08:11 (PDT) Thanks for the blues, the last time I heard and recorded you. (Aren't you recording yourselves every night?) To make Steve's vocals really work, the bass and drums have to really kick, every time. That allows Jim's recall eforts, with the 20W amp, to make it sing out. - Tuesday, May 04, 2004 at 17:31:04 (PDT) Thanks for Mess of Blues on 4/24; Doc Pomus is smiling in heaven. Re background on All of Me, heard Sat night in a breakthrough performance by a new talent: Sinatra's version has gotten a lot of play over the years. On the net, a footnote on Sinatra's The Capitol Years, which includes this track, says that the song was made famous by Billie Holiday. Her version was probably done in the 40's. Now that we've come this far, how about One For My Baby (and one more for the road) Those were the daze... REGARDS ... FAN-TOM - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 17:55:57 (PDT) The place is a rockin', so don't bother knockin.' Fifty years ago, Bill Haley and the Comets changed the Billboard forever with "Rock Around The Clock." (You even find it on Britcoms with references to "Mr. Haley, and his Comets".) It changed the world. kennethcutler@earthnet.net - Thursday, April 08, 2004 at 20:32:48 (PDT) Hi Groovequest, Looks like you found your Groove last Saturday night. (Unless someone is really good with Photoshop!) Sorry I missed the night that Neighbor's became a house arockin. Via a link on your website, I've connected with that British Respect website dedicated to Soul music. I've had some fun putting my take on things on their site. Thanks for the connection! I even mentioned your band on that site, so you are already exposed in Britain and the E.U. I'm still in town so maybe I'll see you soon. FAN-TOM - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 21:03:37 (PDT) Hey GrooveQuest--Wow, what a blast at Neighbors last Saturday (4/3)! Great dance tunes! Loved the rock n roll--got the crowd up and moving. Cool venue, too. Going to spread the word--Neighbors plus GrooveQuest equals an absolutely partying good time :-) LA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 12:14:25 (PDT) Hey Blues GROOVE QUEST. Thanks for listing our site on the D.C. Blues Society site. And a lot of success with your band! chris janssen BULLFROG BLUES MACHINE www.bullfrogbluesmachine.nl www.bluesplayer.nl - Friday, March 26, 2004 at 03:45:50 (PST) 3/17/04 HAPPY BIRTHDAY GROOVESTRESS aka LISA Have a Great, Groovalicious, Gig tonight at JV's Open/jam night! from Shufflemonster and all of your other Fans, Friends, and Neighbors [ which, incidentally, comprises t -----and---a--GrooveQuest!!!!---born of freedom of comunication, and ever reaching out---- Shufflemonster No.Va. - Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 04:40:05 (PST) Thank you all so much for playing for Lauren's Birthday Party--she had a wonderful time as well as everyone else. Also, thank you for taking such great pictures and for the drumsticks and pad--Lauren is having a ball with the drumsticks!! You all are the best and we are so happy that we met you. We will look forward to seeing you all again real soon. Thanks again for everything!! Best Regards, Brad and Andrea Collins Vienna, VA - Monday, February 23, 2004 at 11:30:36 (PST) Thank you GrooveQuest for making my granddaughter, Lauren's birthday so memorable. I love your sound and your programming for a special gig such as a two year old's birthday . I look forward to hearing you again soon. All the Best, Fred Brigham( Lauren's Poppa, Andrea's Dad) - Saturday, February 21, 2004 at 18:22:50 (PST) Hello fellow musicians in Groovequest I enjoyed playing the open mike at JV's last night. Thank you very much for your hospitality.I enjoyed the groove intensive sound and was grooving on it myself while tuning guitar etc. Keep the Delrays in mind for shows down that way and I'll keep my eyes open up Frederick way.Dino Delray dinodelray@yahoo.com - Thursday, February 19, 2004 at 15:00:04 (PST) Hi Ken--Lisa, GrooveQuest's bass player, here. Just have to weigh in on a few of your points since it is interesting that we have important things in common. First of all--once a bass player, always a bass player! Come on out to one of our open mikes/jams at JV Restaurant and bring your bass! We have a lot of fun and if everything lines up, you might get to participate in an extended jam. I'm with you totally on that--nothing better than taking some time to really "elevate the groove" in order to "encounter with the essential spirit of the musical moment." (Thank you, Shufflemonster, for those phrases and these word that define GrooveQuest's musical mission: "To transform each and every song into a shared journey, a Groovalistic interactive adventure and encounter, connecting band and audience on an elevated plane of spiritual enrichment." That's our goal, that's our quest!) Second, Shuffle*mon* is one of *my* pet names for Shufflemonster, but since the two of you share the name Lowell, seems natural that you should share this name with me. Shufflemonster is a wonderfully good natured creature . . . any reference to him with "s-h-u-f-f-l-e" in it makes him glow. And, finally--thank you so much for the recording. I'm looking forward to hearing it and expect that it will be very useful. We have plans for recording next weekend (2/21) at Neighbors--feel free to drop by and check on our progress. Great to hear from you! Hope to see you, again--soon . . . how about next Wednesday (2/18) at JV in Falls Church. Bring yer axe! --Lisa O'Brien - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 14:09:37 (PST) Hey Shufflemonster (can I call you Shufflemon?), Thanks for the explanation of the band's name change. Makes sense, if only for the influx of Northern Virginia tallent into the band. I sent Jim a complete copy of the last gig at Summit Station on 3 CDs. He says they sound good. Hope you find some use for a tune or two on your next demo. By the way, as Jim can confirm, when I played bass, I used to like to go for the groove and turn a 4-minute song into a 15-minute jam. But then again, I was raised in Alexandria, and my middle name is Lowell. No kidding. Kenneth Lowell Cutler (now in Frederick, MD.) - Saturday, February 07, 2004 at 08:19:34 (PST) Love your new nametag, Lowell! I get the inner and outer inspiration it calls forth. Great choice for that reason especially. Best wishes and great grooves at your regular venue! Hope to catch you there. Paula, "Jolie Rouge" - Monday, February 02, 2004 at 14:09:42 (PST) Hi, I've heard your groove at the Zoo Bar. You guys generate some heat. I'm going to try to get by Neighbors on Sat night (Jan 31). I really want to hear Ring of Fire and Mess of Blues. See you! REGARDS ... TOM (AKA FAN-TOM -- cuz I'm a fan!) - Friday, January 30, 2004 at 21:21:38 (PST) Hi Ken....Shufflemonster here...thanks for the response and much Thanks for the "Killer Drummer"compliment, which coincidentally, is all the more significant to moi because of my adolescent idolatry of 50's Rocker, Jerry Lee Lewis, whose nickname, as we all know is "The Killer"!!! Who knows,perhaps the six fun years I spent as the Virginia Representatve of the International Jerry Lee Lewis Fan Club may have been my original inspiration for becoming a drummer, and subsequently influenced my approach and style of playing drums.....the "joie de vie" of Jerry Lee! .....may have ultimatley resulted in a "Killer Drummer".Ken, you made my day! In response to your question, the Takoma Crossing Studio is still very much alive and well and serving its purpose in fine form. The band name is another situation. After several years of dwindling gigs in Maryland, and this past year of increasingly numerous gigs in Virginia, Takoma Crossing landed the highly sought-after, rewarding position of regular Saturday night House Band at an extremely fun venue, Neighbor's Restaurant in Vienna, Virginia. Thus, essentially, making Takoma Crossing a Virginia-based band, creating in the process a paradox and a conundrum, also highlighting some areas of growing discontent. For example, two relatively new recruits to the band, Robert Eldridge, saxaphones, is from Arlington, Virgina. Yours truly, Shufflemonster, resides in Fairfax County. We both give 100%, play with passion and drive, and like to feel accepted as an integral part of a band unit, which somehow doesn't work with a geographically exclusionist name that excludes us. Suffice to say, an element of cognitive dissonance pervaded, with a subsequent inhibiting of artistic growth, and focus. However, despite all of the above, a performance art project within the overall band project began to take hold and that had to do with an emphasis on groove development, and the overall impact of the Groove on the energy level, creativity, and spiritual connectedness of Band and audience. We've been experimenting with elevating the Groove in the overall musical mix. The name "GrooveQuest" grew naturally out of an evolutionary, colaborative, creative process. Retiring "Takoma Crossing" and adopting "GrooveQuest" has been a consensual, congenial, coordinated,cooperative evolution, not a revolution. GrooveQuest is a shared process between band and audience, a spiritual journey, an adventure, an encounter with the essential spirit of the musical moment. The name itself focuses attention, and intensifies intention on a process of openness to discovery of all and any Groove phenomena, including spiritual powers therefrom. In that sense, the name "GrooveQuest" itself facilitates, and is an integral part of the Band's creative thought process.We believe in the name. We identify with the name. In all likeliness, the name GrooveQuest probably inspires us to play better! The whole Band is on board with the name/concept evolutionary change. We've never been more inspired (You may have captured some of this on your CDs). Thanks for your involvement Ken. I hope this answered your question/concerns. Hope to see you soon. Shufflemonster - Thursday, January 29, 2004 at 21:06:13 (PST) Hey ShuffleMonster, You're a killer drummer. So what happened to Tackoma Crossing? Ken Cutler kennethcutler@earthlink.net - Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at 22:33:16 (PST) Hello friends and neighbors---all you good people out there in cyber space! This is SHUFFLEMONSTER, drummer of GrooveQuest [formerly Takoma Crossing---- ---which finally crossed]. I just wanted to take this opportunity to enter this Guest Book, and extend to each and every one of you, a very hearty, warm, welcoming invitation, to give yourselves a happy treat and join GrooveQuest most Saturday evenings [check schedule for exact dates and times] at Neighbors Restaurant and Sports Pub, 262 Cedar Lane, Vienna, Va. Look whats offered: - Tons of Free Parking (shopping center parking lot with safe neighborhood surroundings) - Spacious comfortable Restaurant Seating with dining tables and booths - three/four separate rooms includng friendly Bar and dance area - Beer, wine, and mixed drinks, including frozen specialities - Full menu, Daily Specials, and SALAD BAR - Casual comfortable attire Neighbor's is, in a nutshell, such an extraordinarily, relaxed, inviting, unassuming, casual, comfortable, spacious, user-friendly venue, that except for the (fresh and delicious) salad bar, one might just think that it came through a time warp, straight from the 1950's; which all goes to say that Neighbor's ambience and natural vibe is totally upbeat, compatible with, and conducive to GrooveQuest's brand of American Roots Rock'n Rhythm & Blues. And best of all, Neighbor's (as Home base) and GrooveQuest (as House Band) have joined forces, and we are pooling our resources to create a truly, uplifting venue, where friends and neighbors from around the area can come to be entertained, wined and dined in comfort, inspired to dance, or just mix, mingle, and bask in a warm congeniality, enhanced by handcrafted, very live, very danceable music. While I'm on the topic, it probably couldn't hurt to share some heretofore esoteric info on the unique manner in which GrooveQuest creates its high-level danceability ---- for starters, there is the song list, handpicked for pure exuberance, excitment, and dancing fun! And then, through Groovalistic Alchemy, a friendly mojo, and some poetic license, each and every song becomes a springboard to old-fashioned, rompin, stompin, rock'n rollin, wild and wonderful GOOD-NATURED FUN and frolic! With the supportive teamwork and inspiration of Bassist, Lisa O'Brien (the Groovestress), Shufflemonster infuses solid vintage backbeats and structurally supportive, soulful Groove patterns of the roots era, with a Groove craft consisting of dynamic organic, spontaneously interactive, and interpretive, rhythmic free play. What emerges is a synthesis of the best of the old, and the best of the new, brought into the NOW! --- culminating as an existential, impressionistic, spiritual Drum and Bass Tribute to the spirit of the Power and Glory of American Roots - Rock'n Rhythm. With this approach, each and every song becomes a shared journey, a Groovalistic interactive adventure and encounter, connecting band and audience on an elevated plane of spiritual enrichment; thus the name "GrooveQuest". Just for the sake of clarity, GrooveQuest is not so much a search for a groove (technical rhythm pattern) as a noble journey within and a spiritual adventure from the groove. This free-spirited Groove not only becomes as an archtypal Dynamism with a life force of its own, but it also has a mind of its own ---what with a Groovestress and all---and it thinks--- "Hey Shufflemonster" Wha---??---Who's there???--------Who's interrupting? "It's me, Lisa." ??????? ----- Oh! Hi Groovestress----I was just on a roll------ Did you want to talk to moi ----about something???? "Just thought that I'd remind you that you've gone outside the scope of the public announcement, the invitation, the promo information, and the Guest Book for that matter. Don't you think that your performance art esoterica, creative writing, vision statement what-have-you, might more appropriately appear in your personal bio page, which incidentally is past due (has been "under construction") for over a year now." OK, I guess you right Groovestress. Well, that's about it for me folks. Gotta go now. But, I'll be back (I kind like it out here-more interactive than in that confining bio page area). One final reminder: GrooveQuest, with Steve O'Brien ("Your Vocal Servant") front man, lead vocals - Jim Ter Maat, lead guitar - Robert Eldridge, educator, world-class musician, saxes - Lisa "Groovestress" O'Brien, bassist - and your's truly, Shufflemonster, drummer - can be seen, heard, interactively grooved with at Neighbor's Restaurant and Sports Pub most Saturday nights. Come join us for the fun and spiritual enrichment. Your endorphins will thank you for it! :-) - Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at 12:06:40 (PST) cool site, Lowell. I'll have to get out and see you guys live. Marshall - Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at 16:45:19 (PST) Really enjoyed your Jan. show at Summit Station. The recordings on DAT are in good shape, sent some rough CD copies to Jim. The band kicked, the vocals were very good, Jim reminded us of what professional means, and the drums were very sharp. Ken Cutler kennethcutler@earthlink.net - Thursday, January 15, 2004 at 23:54:33 (PST) Hi, I am a good friend of Lowell's and he told me to come see you this Saturday night (1/10/04) at Neighbors. Lowell is a Great Drummer as well as a Human Being. Cab't Wait to see the Band My Name is Richard Gibson and I live in Annandale VA, I run Rehearsal Studio's for a living in Falls Church and Merrified. WWW.Barcorebar.com - Friday, January 09, 2004 at 10:48:25 (PST) Just a note to thank you guys about eighty thousand times for allowing me to sing with you last night. Can't think when I've enjoyed myself so much. I've been wanting to sing thosse songs, and wanting to do so in just such a setting - and with just such a band - since...I shudder to think since when. It was Eisenhower's first term, it was Ozzie and Harriet even before Ricky turned into an early Elvis imitator, it was when a house on two acres in a prime new your city suburb cost forty thoudand dollars, and people thought it that that was a lot of money, it was years and years before the pill, or Women's Liberation, or...in fact, it was so long ago that I had Hound Dog b/w Don't Be Cruel on a 78. And, not at all by the way, what a great, great, rockin' band you guys are. You know, what you're doing at JV's really isn't an open mic. Rather, its an open BAND. Anyway, my thanks, once more, my love, and I hope to see you all at Neighbors, come Saturday night. Love, Some more love, a big hunka love, love me tender, from Your Teddy Bear Perry Bruder - Thursday, January 08, 2004 at 14:25:46 (PST) Enjoyed the Jay's gig Saturday night (I'm Robert's buddy sitting up on the ear-bleed stool). Hope to see you guys again soon (bookmarked the site). David Jeffers Arlington - Monday, January 05, 2004 at 01:53:58 (PST) This message is from me, Lisa O'Brien, bass player with GrooveQuest: Want to send out a groovalistic THANK YOU to the members of The Playboys who joined forces with GrooveQuest at Neigbors to make New Years extra special. "The Playboys Reunion Band" included Stephen Reynolds on sax, Warren Kasoff on guitar, Pete Papageorge on bass, and Lowell Schiff on drums. Together again for the first time since 1964, these guys shared grooves that picked up right where they left off. Very cool, very fun--why did you wait so long??? And, to the women behind the music: Joan Reynolds, Linda Kasoff, Gail Papageorge, and Janice Schiff--thanks for sharing your Playboys with GrooveQuest!! Let's do it again! --L. - Friday, January 02, 2004 at 07:10:26 (PST) Hey there, Lisa here--New Years Eve was a Blast!! Thanks to everyone and hope to see you again real soon! We are taking requests--especially groovin' dance tunes. Let us know! HAPPY NEW YEAR! --Lisa, Bass, GrooveQuest - Thursday, January 01, 2004 at 13:04:08 (PST) Hey, GrooveQuestProject dot com visitors; We're glad you're here, and we hope you sign our guestbook. Sing to Ya Soon, Steve O'Brien Takoma Park, MD - Thursday, December 18, 2003 at 22:51:22 (PST) GO TO GROOVEQUEST HOMEPAGE |