Biography
While performing alongside Detroit legend Johnnie Bassett, organist Chris Codish first encountered bassist James Simonson, prompting the pair to begin crafting original material together. Their growing rapport reached full form when Kalamazoo-native Michael Caskey joined on drums in August 1999, creating the trio that immediately began performing throughout the Detroit area under the name Brothers Groove. The group soon earned a reputation as one of the Motor City’s most tireless acts by maintaining near-nightly appearances. Early in 2001 they issued their first recording, Clamp it Down, a fusion of blues-funk propulsion, jazz inflection, and pop-rock energy that drew strong praise from reviewers and an intensely devoted audience alike. Continued relentless live work kept the band visible, and at the 2001 Detroit Music Awards they captured four of their nine nominations: Outstanding Jazz Group, Outstanding Jazz Recording, Outstanding Jazz Vocalist for Chris Codish, and Outstanding Blues Writer for Chris Codish. Real Detroit also named them Best Blues Band that year. Though appreciative, the musicians expressed puzzlement at the jazz and blues designations, insisting they simply aimed to deliver dense, greasy grooves to listeners. In September 2001 Michael Caskey departed, clearing the way for Todd Glass—previously of Thornetta Davis and Twistin’ Tarantulas—to take over drums; that same month guitarist Erik Gustafson, known for his work with Larval and Blue Dog, expanded the lineup to a quartet.
Albums
