Groove Phactory
Sandalo Lopez Schmidt (Bajo)
Francisco "Epi" Lorente Rodriguez (Guitar)
Patricia Chevalley Diaz (Vocal)
Natalia Mylonas Leegstra (Vocal)
Martin Schumacher (Drums)
Ventor de la guardia (Percussion, vocal)
Julio Tejera (Keyboards)
Eric Rhoner (Sax, vocal)
Gilles Garin (Trumpet)
Michael Dandorfer (Guitar)
GROOVEPHACTORY was formed in April 2003, as a result of the getting together of musicians from the island of Tenerife and others from Europe who happened to be temporarily there or had settled on the islands. After months of consolidation as a band, the current formation was established: Sándalo López, leader, productor, bass player, talkbox & vocals (Germany); Eric Francois Rohner, sax & vocals (Switzerland), Martin Schumacher, drums (Germany); Francisco( Epi) Lorente, guitar; Ventor Sánchez, percussion & vocals, Patricia Chevalley (Switzerland) & Natalia Mylonás, lead vocalists ; Michael "Dandy" Dandorfer, guitar (Germany) & Gilles Garin, trumpet (Paris).
In a short space of time they had become a band of some standing, not only in this environment but also on the entire insular musical scene, staging performances constantly all over the islands as well as on local circuits in Switzerland & Germany.
As for their musical-creative level, GPH cannot be typecast in a purely Funk definition. They decided not to label themselves, thus breaking barriers established in this world of music. But deep down their spirit is eminently Funk, since their entire creation is there because of this musical philosophy; being clearly inspired by the greats in this field: George Duke, Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters, George Clinton, Earth Wind and Fire, and other influential entities from the recording scene of the 70s. However, bearing this in mind, GPH decided to go further and not be influenced by new musical trends which hadn't gone unnoticed in their preferences.
GPH is characterised by its originality & powerful live performances, as this solid group is perfected with the particularly decisive voices of their singers who find themselves protected with the confidence & forcefulness of the band's 'groove'; but not failing to point out the virtuoso contribution made by every one of its members for the benefit of the final combo.
Their new work will be released on sale at the end of June, and officially presented at the "festival canarias jazz & más heineken 2007" (Canary Islands Jazz Festival 2007).
