Soul Jazz / Funk / Boogaloo
Pittsburgh, PA

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Joel Pace – organ/piano
Steve Kraus – saxophones
Wayne Smith – guitar
Jim Powell – drums
Dave Zwastetzky – bass

In music, the word “groove” can be defined as an intuitive sense of a cycle in motion that emerges from carefully aligned rhythmic patterns.  This rhythmic experience often sets in motion dancing or foot-tapping on the part of listeners.  Groove became the fundamental element employed by jazz legends like Jimmy McGriff, Grant Green, and Lou Donaldson in the 1960’s and early 70’s when they mixed blues, funk, and R&B with jazz creating something what came to be known as “soul jazz”.

The Pittsburgh-based quintet Cadillac Club takes you back to this era by reviving this style of instrumental dance-floor jazz, funk and soul.  Guitarist Wayne Smith channels the energy of jazz greats like Melvin Sparks and Pittsburgh’s own George Benson, while newest addition, Joel Pace, provides the trademark soulful sound of the Hammond organ.  Steve Kraus delivers intricate and robust solos on tenor, alto and soprano saxophones while the rhythm section of Dave Zwastetzky and Jim Powell, on bass and drums respectively, lay down an undeniably deep groove creating the groundwork for rich melodies, improvisation, and climactic solos.

Cadillac Club plays a blend of music that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and tastes. Whether you remember these songs from the heyday of funky jazz and soul, or from samples used in hip-hop beats by groups like A Tribe Called Quest and Pete Rock & CL Smooth, the music of Cadillac Club will surely put a smile on your face and a bounce in your step.