Band of the week: Brothers Groove - Jazzy trio does more with less strings
December 8th, 2000
Publication: The Detroit News
Original URL: http://www.detnews.com/2000/entertainment/1208/band/band.htm

By Melody Baetens / The Detroit News DETROIT Musician and songwriter Chris Codish started his musical adventures at the age of 4. Over the past eight years of his professional music career he’s played with and has written songs for well-known guitarists, such as Larry McCray and Detroit’s own Johnnie Bassett. So it’s a wonder why, when Codish put together the Brothers Groove, he made a conscious decision to leave the trio guitar-less. “There’s a lot of space involved and we like having just three elements,” Codish says. “We kind of believe it’s like the triangle, the strongest structure in the universe.” Codish adds that he’s influenced by a few bands that don’t have guitar players, such as the Ben Folds Five. His three-piece has funky bass player James Simonson and drummer Michael Caskey, who has studied with Miles Davis’ drummer Billy Hart. The band has won a handful of local music awards and some international recognition. Last summer they played the by-invitation-only North By Northeast music conference in Toronto. Name: Brothers Groove Lineup: Chris Codish, keyboards and lead vocals; James Simonson, bass; Michael Caskey, drums. Sound: The music is funky with a capital F. Groovy keyboards complement the jazzy bass and drums — like peanut butter does jelly. Smart, clever lyrics complete the package. Releases: Clamp It Down, CD (2000, Little Fortissimo). Next: At 9 tonight and Saturday, the trio will perform at Edison’s, 220 Merrill, Birmingham. Call (248) 645-2150. On Thursday, the Brothers Groove will hold a CD release party for Clamp It Down at the Music Menu, 511 Monroe, Detroit. Call (313) 964-MENU. The band plays every Thursday at the Music Menu. This Saturday, hear a taped performance and interview with the band on WDET-FM (101.9) at midnight on the John Moshier Show. The band will also give a live interview at 9:30 p.m. Sunday on WCSX-FM (94.7). For more information, visit www.thebrothersgroove.com.