Guru Groove Foundation

Moscow's Guru Groove Foundation have been in existence for a couple of years. Despite their brief lifespan, though, they already lay claim to a broad geographic and artistic canvas. The ensemble, typically ten musicians in number, includes gifted instrumentalists from all across what GGF term the "post-Soviet realm." Bridging the land and legacy of traditions all the way from America to Armenia and even Central Asia, they are keen to rattle off a long list of manageable (or marketable) styles: broken beats, disco funk, electro, house, lounge, minimal techno, and nu-jazz. All can be heard in the catalog of GGF, loud and clear. Lest that growing and sometimes eclectic list start to encounter accusations of academism, the members of Guru Groove Foundation are equally (if not invariably) keen to stress the jollity in their performances. "The band has a cheerful, progressive sound that's always up-to-date. We interweave a live groove with electronica in ways that pulse with both strict and broken beats!" We interweave a live groove with electronica in ways that pulse with both strict and broken beats! Overseeing this collective effort is frontwoman Tat'iana Shamanina, whose CV includes victory at a number of major jazz competitions. In more mundane, yet necessary quarters, she also has extensive experience as a Moscow session vocalist. Eager not to fall behind in the race towards widespread respect, Shamanina's colleagues insist that "the other members of GGF also have an impressive range of professional experience! They're always glad to hear of opportunities for experimentation and collaboration."