Recently, I was interviewing the up and coming rock and soul band, Jason Greenlaw and The Groove. Something immediately caught my attention about them, even though no one in the band is related, they all seemed to motivate each other and work together in the way that a strong family would.
As I have watched the band grow in popularity, I had an overwhelming desire to meet with them and when the band members made this comment, I knew why. “God plays a key part in our lives,” said band leader, Jason Greenlaw. “We pray before everything. Every show, every practice and every time we prepare to travel. He is in our lives and has and is continuing to bless us. We owe it all to God.”
It is always fascinating to me to see a person step up and help someone else realize their full potential. Never expecting anything out of the deal, being satisfied only with seeing others reach their goals and be the best they can be… After only a few minutes with the band, I realized this is something they were doing for each other and other bands as well.
Congo Phredd (pronounced “Congo Fred”), drummer for the band and one of the most colorful and unique people you could ever have the pleasure of meeting, expressed his thoughts on other bands they meet throughout the states. “We are all about supporting the music and each other. This business is hard enough without cutting each other’s throats… It makes us feel good when we hear some of the other bands say, ‘You are a great band and some of the nicest guys we’ve ever met.’ We play our own music and express ourselves; not many people are doing that and we like to set that example for other bands. I think they admire our individuality and we want to see THEM express themselves and their individuality as well.”
Congo Phredd, who wore a bright, orange, crocheted hat, bright blue shirt and bright orange socks, shared a story of those who touched his life and set an example for him as he was growing up. “I went to a military academy,” Phredd began. “There was this guy there named Abraham Ignacio, he was the chief horn officer of the academy and he was like a second father to me. While I was at the academy, he really encouraged me to do my best and set the standard for me. He took me under his wing and I’ll never forget him for that. That really made an impact on me.”
Congo Phredd, an amazingly talented percussionist, also credits musician John Craig for his encouragement when he first started playing drums for different bands. He said Craig, who played guitar for Ike and Tina Turner, even allowed him to perform his first drum solo at a show he was playing. He ran into him a few years back and the first thought that crossed his mind was of how far he had actually come, thanks to Craig’s positive example.
Jason Greenlaw, the band’s lead guitar and vocals, is also another very unique individual. And I will have to say this about him, when you meet him, if you don’t like him, there’s probably something wrong with you. Lol. He is one of the nicest guys walking the planet. Beaming with energy and the excitement of life, just as he is on the guitar, Jason is one motivated and talented individual. Jason greeted me with his trademark smile and a big “you are family” hug. And I have to say, I truly did feel like family as I did the interview.
Jason credits a lot of his success to his grandmother, whom he says is “One of the most intelligent people I ever knew.” He even wrote and dedicated one of his songs, “Down South Woman” to her. “She knew everything about life,” he said. Also, Greenlaw credits his sister Barbara, who raised him after his mother died when he was young. “She cared and loved me enough to take me in,” he says. “She didn’t have to do that, she was already raising a family, but she did and we have a special bond because of that today.”
Two of the other band members also credit Greenlaw for the examples that he has set for them. Joey Musick, bassist for the band, says, “Jason is kind and loving to everyone. He greets everyone he meets with a hug, a handshake and a smile. I have become myself a more loving person because of him. He has set that kind of example for me.”
Like Congo Phredd, Joey, who is a very, laid back, polite and just plain cool, also credits those who have encouraged him while growing up. He said one of his greatest friends as a youth was fellow “Flying Ace” (a band he played in as a young man made up of five members of his hometown) band member, Bob Mosesso, who spent endless hours with him, listening to records, playing music in the garage and being a friend.. “He really helped me develop a love for music,” Musick said.
“Who has inspired you most in life?” I ask, Mary Watson, the lovely, young lady who does the band’s PR work and bookings. Mary leans forward on the big comfy couch at the Underground Coffee House, and smiles while looking up, as to recall something wonderful. “All the band members inspire me,” she says. “In fact, they recently gave me the very first birthday party in my life… I’ve never had one before. I was totally overwhelmed. The band barbequed for me and threw a party for me that night at one of our shows. There were decorations, balloons and a cake; they really went all out for me. I knew something was up but I had no idea it was going to be as big as it was. I tried not to cry, but when they called me up on stage, I really got emotional… We are all like a big family. That’s our connection.”
Mary also credits Greenlaw for setting a positive example. “At first Jason encouraged me to start taking pictures for the band. I didn’t think I would be able to do a good job, but I think he realized my potential and kind of gave me a push. I wouldn’t be doing half the things I can do now if it weren’t for his encouragement.” And believe me, Mary does some awesome work. She has been a driving force behind the band and I think they will all agree when I say, “This girl is gold.” There is no end to her potential.
Jesus Christ said himself in the book of Luke: “A house divided against a house falleth.” This means it is very important to stick together, whether in a family, a team or a band. When you encourage each other, when you build each other up and when you help each other realize your potential, amazing things are going to happen. Always keep God in everything you do and if you should feel the need to compliment someone or tell them “Good Job,” don’t let that moment pass by, let that person know how you feel. It can mean all the difference in the world.
All for now friends,
Kip
For more information on Jason Greenlaw and The Groove, please visit:
www.myspace.com/thegroovefanclub orwww.facebook.com/thejasongreenlawband for email:thejasongreenlawband@yahoo.com orladym_watson1966@yahoo.com
