The Groovesmiths

Infobox musical artist |
Name = The Groovesmiths


Img_capt = The Groovesmiths performing at Curtin University in August, 2007.
Background = group_or_band
Origin = Flagicon|AUS Darwin, Northern Territory
Genre = Roots
Years_active = 2004–present
Label = Independent
Associated_acts =
URL = http://www.myspace.com/thegroovesmiths | Official MySpace]
Current_members = Gavin Shoesmith
Alex Dew
Matthew Wright

The Groovesmiths are an Australian roots-music band, founded by Gavin Shoesmith, ex bass player of John Butler Trio. Originally located in Darwin, Northern Territory, Gavin has since shifted to Fremantle, Western Australia, where he plays regularly in the band alongside guitarist Alex Dew, and drummer Matthew Wright. The band is recognized for its unique style and awe inspiring live performances, blending strong elements of Reggae, Jazz, and Hip-Hop into traditional Blues and Roots music.

The Groovesmiths released a debut EP entitled Demonstrations Of Intent in 2006, featuring guests John Butler and Saritah and a follow up self-titled album in 2008

tyle and songwriting

Rockus Online Magazine had the following to say in a review of Demonstrations Of Intent:

cquote|The hallmarks of roots music are all there; inflections of ska and reggae, acoustic percussion, steel & slide guitars, and lyrical content much in the vein of social awareness. The slight twist here, however, is that the rhythm and beat of the music sits much more in the area of hip-hop than blues or rock.

The instrumental side of things is top notch. Guest appearances from West Australian roots-stalwart John Butler on Bushranger, and local diva Saritah on Lonely, certainly add flavor to the recipe.

Demonstrations Of Intent

The band's debut EP features 5 original songs, written by Gavin Shoesmith.

# "Bushranger" – 3:51
# "Lonely" – 4:05
# "Rebirth" – 5:04
# "Viva La Revolution" – 3:33
# "Oh The Sun Is Shining" – 4:35

The EP features performances from previous band-members Michael Boase (Drums) and Jesse Moore (Guitar), as well as John Butler (Lap-steel Guitar), Saritah (Vocals), Mark Robinson (Didgeridoo), and Francis Diatschenko (Guitar),

The Groovesmiths (Hello Operator)

The recording of their self titled album saw the return of Mark Robinson on Didgeridoo as well as percussionist Walter Piccolruaz joining the core group of Shoesmith, Dew and Wright. The album is often incorrectly referred to as "Hello Operator" due to the cover art.

Further reading

Online articles

* [http://www.rockus.com.au/common/archives/cdreviews/gsfeb07.html EP review by Dominic Pearce.] http://www.rockus.com.au/, 2007.
* [http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/13862/The-Groovesmiths.htm Interview by Faster Louder.]