Music review: The Brothers Groove "Clamp It Down"
December 17th, 2000
Publication: Detroit Free Press
Original URL: http://www.freep.com/entertainment/music/disc17_20001217.htm

The Brothers Groove Detroit acid-jazz trio "Clamp It Down" Self-released Smothered in fat funk grease, injected with an infectious wry wit, "Clamp it Down" is one of the finest local albums of the year. Led by keyboardist Chris Codish -- whose reputation brings not just delightful alliteration but also a genuine reverence on the Detroit scene -- the Brothers Groove deftly slide between slinky grooves and fiery jams, lacing it all together with a playful lyrical sense. Tracks like "Pressure Cooker" and "Lunar Janet" epitomize the attack: Codish setting the pace with his rough-hewn vocals and dancing organ lines while drummer Michael Caskey and bassist James Simonson tuck lively, supple rhythms underneath. Making it as a threesome in rock 'n' roll isn't always easy, but the Brothers Groove take their cues from the best of them -- Ben Folds Five, Jimmy McGriff, Morphine -- to craft a smart, simmering package. By Brian McCollum, Free Press pop music writer (December 17, 2000)