The Groove was an Australian R&B, pop group which formed in early 1967 with the lineup of Geoff Bridgford on drums, Jamie Byrne on bass guitar, Tweed Harris on keyboards, Rod Stone on guitar and Peter Williams on lead vocals and guitar. In December 1967 their single, "Simon Says", peaked at No. 17 on the Go-Set National Top 40 Singles Chart. They followed with "Soothe Me", which peaked at No. 14 in April 1968. Also in April they released their self-titled debut album. In July that year they won the national final of the Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds competition with the prize including a trip to London. They relocated there in March 1969, and early the following year they changed their name to Eureka Stockade, they disbanded in 1971. On 13 October 2004 Tweed Harris died of throat cancer, aged 63.
The Groove was an R&B pop group formed in Melbourne in early 1967 – all members had some experience in other bands.[1] The original line-up was Geoff Bridgford (ex-Steve & the Board) on drums, Jamie Byrne (Black Pearls, Running Jumping Standing Still) on bass guitar, Tweed Harris (Levi Smith Clefs) on keyboards, Rod Stone (The Librettos, Normie Rowe & The Playboys) on guitar and Peter Williams (Max Merritt & The Meteors) on lead vocals and guitar.[1][2] They were gathered together by artist manager and booking agent, Garry Spry (The Twilights).[1] The Groove played Stax Soul and 1960s R&B in the style of Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Arthur Conley and The Isley Brothers. The Groove's repertoire was tailored to the vocal style of Williams, who had gained experience in this genre when with Max Merritt & The Meteors, one of its earliest exponents in Australasia.[2]
The Groove scored early national chart breakthrough with their second single "Simon Says" – previously recorded by both The Isley Brothers and The Platters.[3] The Groove's version was a Top 10 hit in Sydney and Melbourne and peaked at No. 17 on the Go-Set National Top 40 Singles Chart in December 1967.[4][5] The group undertook a national tour in February 1968 and in April their most successful single and second national Top 20 hit – a cover version of Sam Cooke's "Soothe Me" – peaked at No. 14.[4][6][7] That same month they issued their debut self-titled album, The Groove, on EMI and Columbia Records.[1] In July they won the grand final of a national band competition, Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds – their prize was a trip to London.[1][2]
Their next single, "What Is Soul?", was a cover of Ben E. King's song, it was a No. 13 hit in Melbourne, reached the Top 40 in Brisbane, and peaked at No. 36 on the national Top 40.[4][8][9] They released a further single, "You Are the One I Love", which made the lower reaches of the Melbourne and Brisbane charts but did not reach the national Top 40.[1][2][10] In March 1969, using their Hoadley's competition prize, the band relocated to the United Kingdom. Later that month their single, "Relax Me", reached the Go-Set Top 40.[11] In the UK they worked and recorded for two years. In June 1969 they released a last single, "The Wind", as The Groove – it did not chart.[1] In early 1970 the group changed their name to Eureka Stockade and issued another single, "Sing No Love Songs", in February.[1] The group recorded an album for Decca Records which was not released, then, early in 1971, they disbanded.[2]
After disbandmentEdit
After the breakup of The Groove, Harris and Stone toured the UK and the rest of Europe backing Cliff Richard and playing with The Echoes behind John Rowles. Stone also toured in the backing band for comedians Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, which he considers one of the enjoyable moments of his career.[2] Bridgford joined the Bee Gees (replacing Colin Petersen) while Williams teamed up with female vocal trio, The Cookies (also managed by Spry) to become The Spirit of Progress and toured the UK. Later on he joined The Mixtures and toured Europe and Australia.[2]
Harris became an arranger and producer in Australia from the mid-1970s. His credits include Sherbet (he orchestrated their single "Cassandra" and its parent album), Daryl Braithwaite, production for Renee Geyer, Bobby Bright, Kush, and folk artist Lionel Long. He performed as second keyboardist with the reformed version of The Groop for its 1988–89 reformation tour, and undertook TV soundtrack commissions. In later years he had a career writing music for TV and advertising both in Australia and Singapore. Harris was diagnosed with throat cancer in the late 1990s and underwent surgery, he died on 13 October 2004, aged 63.[12]
The Go-Set Pop Poll was coordinated by teen-oriented pop music newspaper, Go-Set and was established in February 1966 and conducted an annual poll during 1966 to 1972 of its readers to determine the most popular personalities.[15]
Noel McGrath, Noel McGrath's Australian Encyclopedia of Rock & Pop (Outback Press, Sydney, 1978)
Chris Spencer, Zbig Nowara & Paul McHenry, Who's Who of Australian Rock (Moonlight Publishing)
Gavin Ryan's Chart Books
Specific
^ abcdefghMcFarlane, entry. Archived from the original on 3 August 2004. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
^ abcdefgCulnane, Paul; Kimball, Duncan (2007). "The Groove". Milesago: Australasian Music and Popular Culture 1964–1975 (Ice Productions).
^"'Simon Says' – The Groove (1967)". Pop Archives – Sources of Australian Pop Records from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Lyn Nuttall. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
^ abc"Search results for 'The Groove'". Go-Set. Waverley Press. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
^Nimmervoll, Ed (27 December 1967). "Go-Set National Top 40". Go-Set. Waverley Press.
^Nimmervoll, Ed (3 April 1968). "Go-Set National Top 40". Go-Set. Waverley Press.
^"'Soothe Me' – The Groove (1968)". Pop Archives – Sources of Australian Pop Records from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Lyn Nuttall. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
^Nimmervoll, Ed (28 August 1968). "Go-Set National Top 40". Go-Set. Waverley Press.
^"'What Is Soul?' – The Groove (1968)". Pop Archives – Sources of Australian Pop Records from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Lyn Nuttall. Retrieved 8 March 2012.
^"'You Are the One I Love' – The Groove (1968)". Pop Archives – Sources of Australian Pop Records from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Lyn Nuttall. Retrieved 8 March 2012.
^Nimmervoll, Ed (26 March 1969). . Go-Set. Waverley Press. Archived from the original on 7 December 2007.
^Kimball, Duncan (2004). "Obituaries – Winston John 'Tweed' Harris". Milesago: Australasian Music and Popular Culture 1964–1975 (Ice Productions).
^Kent, David (2005). Australian Chart Book 1940–1969. Turramurra, NSW: Australian Chart Book Pty Ltd. ISBN0646444395. Note: Chart positions back calculated by Kent in 2005.
^"Australian Music Awards". Ron Jeff. Retrieved 16 December 2010.
groove, band, groove, australian, group, which, formed, early, 1967, with, lineup, geoff, bridgford, drums, jamie, byrne, bass, guitar, tweed, harris, keyboards, stone, guitar, peter, williams, lead, vocals, guitar, december, 1967, their, single, simon, says, . The Groove was an Australian R amp B pop group which formed in early 1967 with the lineup of Geoff Bridgford on drums Jamie Byrne on bass guitar Tweed Harris on keyboards Rod Stone on guitar and Peter Williams on lead vocals and guitar In December 1967 their single Simon Says peaked at No 17 on the Go Set National Top 40 Singles Chart They followed with Soothe Me which peaked at No 14 in April 1968 Also in April they released their self titled debut album In July that year they won the national final of the Hoadley s Battle of the Sounds competition with the prize including a trip to London They relocated there in March 1969 and early the following year they changed their name to Eureka Stockade they disbanded in 1971 On 13 October 2004 Tweed Harris died of throat cancer aged 63 The GrooveAlso known asEureka StockadeOriginMelbourne Victoria AustraliaGenresR amp B popYears active1967 1967 1971 1971 LabelsEMI ColumbiaPast membersGeoff BridgfordJamie ByrneTweed HarrisRod StonePeter Williams Contents 1 History 2 After disbandment 3 Discography 3 1 Studio albums 3 2 Extended plays 3 3 Singles 4 Awards and nominations 4 1 Go Set Pop Poll 5 References 6 External linksHistory EditThe Groove was an R amp B pop group formed in Melbourne in early 1967 all members had some experience in other bands 1 The original line up was Geoff Bridgford ex Steve amp the Board on drums Jamie Byrne Black Pearls Running Jumping Standing Still on bass guitar Tweed Harris Levi Smith Clefs on keyboards Rod Stone The Librettos Normie Rowe amp The Playboys on guitar and Peter Williams Max Merritt amp The Meteors on lead vocals and guitar 1 2 They were gathered together by artist manager and booking agent Garry Spry The Twilights 1 The Groove played Stax Soul and 1960s R amp B in the style of Otis Redding Wilson Pickett Sam amp Dave Arthur Conley and The Isley Brothers The Groove s repertoire was tailored to the vocal style of Williams who had gained experience in this genre when with Max Merritt amp The Meteors one of its earliest exponents in Australasia 2 The Groove scored early national chart breakthrough with their second single Simon Says previously recorded by both The Isley Brothers and The Platters 3 The Groove s version was a Top 10 hit in Sydney and Melbourne and peaked at No 17 on the Go Set National Top 40 Singles Chart in December 1967 4 5 The group undertook a national tour in February 1968 and in April their most successful single and second national Top 20 hit a cover version of Sam Cooke s Soothe Me peaked at No 14 4 6 7 That same month they issued their debut self titled album The Groove on EMI and Columbia Records 1 In July they won the grand final of a national band competition Hoadley s Battle of the Sounds their prize was a trip to London 1 2 Their next single What Is Soul was a cover of Ben E King s song it was a No 13 hit in Melbourne reached the Top 40 in Brisbane and peaked at No 36 on the national Top 40 4 8 9 They released a further single You Are the One I Love which made the lower reaches of the Melbourne and Brisbane charts but did not reach the national Top 40 1 2 10 In March 1969 using their Hoadley s competition prize the band relocated to the United Kingdom Later that month their single Relax Me reached the Go Set Top 40 11 In the UK they worked and recorded for two years In June 1969 they released a last single The Wind as The Groove it did not chart 1 In early 1970 the group changed their name to Eureka Stockade and issued another single Sing No Love Songs in February 1 The group recorded an album for Decca Records which was not released then early in 1971 they disbanded 2 After disbandment EditAfter the breakup of The Groove Harris and Stone toured the UK and the rest of Europe backing Cliff Richard and playing with The Echoes behind John Rowles Stone also toured in the backing band for comedians Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise which he considers one of the enjoyable moments of his career 2 Bridgford joined the Bee Gees replacing Colin Petersen while Williams teamed up with female vocal trio The Cookies also managed by Spry to become The Spirit of Progress and toured the UK Later on he joined The Mixtures and toured Europe and Australia 2 Harris became an arranger and producer in Australia from the mid 1970s His credits include Sherbet he orchestrated their single Cassandra and its parent album Daryl Braithwaite production for Renee Geyer Bobby Bright Kush and folk artist Lionel Long He performed as second keyboardist with the reformed version of The Groop for its 1988 89 reformation tour and undertook TV soundtrack commissions In later years he had a career writing music for TV and advertising both in Australia and Singapore Harris was diagnosed with throat cancer in the late 1990s and underwent surgery he died on 13 October 2004 aged 63 12 Discography EditStudio albums Edit Title DetailsThe Groove Released April 1968 Label EMI Columbia OSX 7869Extended plays Edit Title DetailsSoothe Me Released July 1969 Label EMI Columbia SEGO 70166Singles Edit Year Single Chart Positions AlbumAU 13 14 1967 Simon Says 16 The Groove1968 Soothe Me 10 What Is Soul 35 You Are The One That I Love 39 Non album Single1969 Relax Me 34 The Wind 821970 Sing No Love Songs Awards and nominations EditGo Set Pop Poll Edit The Go Set Pop Poll was coordinated by teen oriented pop music newspaper Go Set and was established in February 1966 and conducted an annual poll during 1966 to 1972 of its readers to determine the most popular personalities 15 Year Nominee work Award Result1968 themselves Best Australian Group 3rdReferences EditGeneralMcFarlane Ian 1999 Whammo Homepage Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop St Leonards NSW Allen amp Unwin ISBN 1865080721 Archived from the original on 5 April 2004 Note Archived on line copy has limited functionality Noel McGrath Noel McGrath s Australian Encyclopedia of Rock amp Pop Outback Press Sydney 1978 Chris Spencer Zbig Nowara amp Paul McHenry Who s Who of Australian Rock Moonlight Publishing Gavin Ryan s Chart BooksSpecific a b c d e f g h McFarlane Groove The entry Archived from the original on 3 August 2004 Retrieved 7 March 2012 a b c d e f g Culnane Paul Kimball Duncan 2007 The Groove Milesago Australasian Music and Popular Culture 1964 1975 Ice Productions Simon Says The Groove 1967 Pop Archives Sources of Australian Pop Records from the 50s 60s and 70s Lyn Nuttall Retrieved 7 March 2012 a b c Search results for The Groove Go Set Waverley Press Retrieved 7 March 2012 Nimmervoll Ed 27 December 1967 Go Set National Top 40 Go Set Waverley Press Nimmervoll Ed 3 April 1968 Go Set National Top 40 Go Set Waverley Press Soothe Me The Groove 1968 Pop Archives Sources of Australian Pop Records from the 50s 60s and 70s Lyn Nuttall Retrieved 7 March 2012 Nimmervoll Ed 28 August 1968 Go Set National Top 40 Go Set Waverley Press What Is Soul The Groove 1968 Pop Archives Sources of Australian Pop Records from the 50s 60s and 70s Lyn Nuttall Retrieved 8 March 2012 You Are the One I Love The Groove 1968 Pop Archives Sources of Australian Pop Records from the 50s 60s and 70s Lyn Nuttall Retrieved 8 March 2012 Nimmervoll Ed 26 March 1969 Go Set National Top 40 Go Set Waverley Press Archived from the original on 7 December 2007 Kimball Duncan 2004 Obituaries Winston John Tweed Harris Milesago Australasian Music and Popular Culture 1964 1975 Ice Productions Kent David 1993 Australian Chart Book 1970 1992 St Ives NSW Australian Chart Book ISBN 0646119176 Note Used for Australian Singles and Albums charting from 1974 until ARIA created their own charts in mid 1988 In 1992 Kent back calculated chart positions for 1970 1974 Kent David 2005 Australian Chart Book 1940 1969 Turramurra NSW Australian Chart Book Pty Ltd ISBN 0646444395 Note Chart positions back calculated by Kent in 2005 Australian Music Awards Ron Jeff Retrieved 16 December 2010 External links EditThe Groove at Rate Your Music Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title The Groove band amp oldid 1156676880, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
