Biography
Groovexpress operates as a collaborative ensemble devoted to a soulful, earthy brand of smooth jazz, with guitarist Mykeljon Winckel at its helm. The outfit first gained notice through the 2014 release Ukrainian Doll and later reached the summit of the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums chart via the 2018 project Amsterdaam.
Although based in Los Angeles, the band originated as Winckel’s vision. The guitarist and vocalist was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and refined his craft at the Queensland Conservatorium in Brisbane, Australia, ultimately earning a Degree in Music Technology alongside an Associate Diploma in Jazz. After directing his own production facility for more than ten years, he moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s. In addition to session and stage appearances alongside figures such as Andy Suzuki, John Ferraro, and Michito Sanchez, he pursued independent work that culminated in the 2012 solo debut World Stood Still.
Winckel assembled Groovexpress in 2010 to unite similarly inclined musicians. Membership has fluctuated across the years, at times encompassing keyboardist and pianist Ernest Semu, harmonica specialist Derek “Haggis” Maguiness, organist Anthony Hunt, saxophonist Robert Kyle, trumpeter Chris Tedesco, trombonist Jim McMillen, bassist Trinidad Sanchez, bassist Nic Haslip, percussionist Isaac Sanchez, and additional contributors. The ensemble issued its first album, Ukrainian Doll, in 2014, followed two years later by the live recording Live at G.V.R. Their third studio effort, Amsterdaam, arrived in 2018 and spotlighted the track “Geraldine,” securing the top position on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.
Although based in Los Angeles, the band originated as Winckel’s vision. The guitarist and vocalist was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and refined his craft at the Queensland Conservatorium in Brisbane, Australia, ultimately earning a Degree in Music Technology alongside an Associate Diploma in Jazz. After directing his own production facility for more than ten years, he moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s. In addition to session and stage appearances alongside figures such as Andy Suzuki, John Ferraro, and Michito Sanchez, he pursued independent work that culminated in the 2012 solo debut World Stood Still.
Winckel assembled Groovexpress in 2010 to unite similarly inclined musicians. Membership has fluctuated across the years, at times encompassing keyboardist and pianist Ernest Semu, harmonica specialist Derek “Haggis” Maguiness, organist Anthony Hunt, saxophonist Robert Kyle, trumpeter Chris Tedesco, trombonist Jim McMillen, bassist Trinidad Sanchez, bassist Nic Haslip, percussionist Isaac Sanchez, and additional contributors. The ensemble issued its first album, Ukrainian Doll, in 2014, followed two years later by the live recording Live at G.V.R. Their third studio effort, Amsterdaam, arrived in 2018 and spotlighted the track “Geraldine,” securing the top position on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.
Albums
Contemplation Nova
2021
Say a Prayer (Radio Edit) [feat. Mykeljon]
2021
Get Down and Funk
2020
Amsterdaam
2018
Ukrainian Doll
2014
Live
