The Groovemeisters

Musicologists and music-lovers alike have attempted to both qualify and quantify the term “GROOVE” as an ‘unspecifiable but ordered sense of something that is sustained in a distinctive, regular and attractive way, working to draw the listener in.’ In simpler words, a groove usually refers to a rhythmic drive that somehow compels the body to move...whether it be a toe-tappin’, swingin’ venture, or a full-blown rump-shakin’ jaunt, the Groovemeisters aim to please! Although “MEISTER” has etymological roots from the German meaning “master,” it simply refers a person skilled or prominent in a specified area of activity…in this case groovin’!

Presenting both a combination of innovative and original compositions, as well as, sophisticated and fresh interpretations of well-loved standards, Mike Cadó and The Groovemeisters successfully covers much musical ground. Guitarmeister Mike Cadó, Organmeister Gordon Sheard, Bassmeister Ross MacIntyre, and Drummeister Davide DiRenzo comprise the tight-knit musical unit, exuding an infectious energy that guarantees to thrill any audience.

Finally, if you wish to wisely ignore the aforementioned mumbo-jumbo…plainly put, Mike Cadó and The Groovemeisters deliver a groovin’, swingin’, happenin’, and all-round good time for all!

Bios

	Mike Cadó – Guitar Mike Cadó received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Education at York University and recently completed his Master’s Degree in Jazz Composition under the supervision of Professor David Mott. He is the director of “Nimmons ‘N’ Nine…Now!” featuring the compositions of Phil Nimmons and has recently produced a recording with jazz vocalist Sherie Marshall entitled “The Sweetest Sounds” that features Pat Collins, Guido Basso and various other jazz notables. Numerous performances have allowed Mike to gain experience encompassing a broad spectrum of musical genres, which in turn, has contributed to his multifaceted approach. This has afforded him the opportunity to perform with such musical luminaries as Don Thompson, Chase Sanborn, Perry White, Terry Promane, Barry Romberg, and Richard Whiteman. Mike is currently pursuing his PhD in Ethnomusicology and is a current faculty member at York University where he teaches composition, several jazz workshops, as well as, guitar lessons, musicianship and various music education courses in the Faculty of Education.
	Gordon Sheard – Hammond B-3 Toronto pianist, composer, and producer Gordon Sheard has enjoyed a many-faceted career as a professional musician for three decades. During that time he has performed in various capacities with such groups and artists as Manteca, Rick Shadrach Lazar and The Montuno Police, Alain Caron, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Steve Gadd, David Garibaldi, Steve Ferrone, Eddie ‘Cleanhead’ Vinson, Chuck Mangione, Colleen Allen, Samba Squad, Lorraine Segato, Rita McNeil, Liona Boyd, Louise Pitre, Eliana Cuevas, Yvette Tollar, Carol Welsman, Brian Hughes, and Levon Ichkhanian, among many others. Gordon’s work as a composer may be heard on his new CD Crucible, as well as on recordings by Phil Dwyer, Eliana Cuevas, Colleen Allen, Rick Shadrach Lazar and The Montuno Police, and Manteca. The latter two bands have also called upon his talents as a producer, as have vocal artists Eliana Cuevas, Yvette Tollar and jazz vocalist/pianist Carol Welsman. Gordon is currently enrolled in the doctoral programme in ethnomusicology at York University. He is also a jazz educator and holds a teaching position at Toronto’s Humber College.
	Ross MacIntyre – Bass Equally adept on the upright and electric bass, playing jazz, classical, rock, latin or R&B, Ross MacIntyre is one of the most sought after musicians in Toronto. He is a graduate of the prestigious jazz department at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music. He spent four years as the composer and musical director of the Garden Brother’s Circus. When he’s not on the road with Jesse Cook or Matt Dusk, he is often found playing in a jazz club backing up some Canada’s finest musicians (Eliana Cuevas, Nick “The Brownman” Ali, Michael Kaeshammer) or in a theatre playing in the pit band for major Music Theatre productions (Urinetown, Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang).
	Davide DiRenzo – Drums Davide Direnzo is one of the most versatile and in-demand drummers in Canada, with an equally strong profile in the jazz, pop and R&B scenes coast-to-coast and beyond. He has performed and recorded extensively around the world with a wide range of artists including jackSoul, Holly Cole, Tomi Swick, Jesse Cook, David Wilcox, Hawksley Workman, Gordie Sampson, Feist, and many others. For the third year in a row, he is the drummer on CTV’s Canadian Idol, the most-watched TV show in Canadian history. Davide has won five Juno awards, including two in 2007 as a member of jackSoul (Best R&B Recording) and Tomi Swick (Best New Artist). Davide proudly uses and endorses Sonor drums, Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Evans drumheads and Rhythm Tech percussion.