***The Acoustic Groove Project***
Dave Renz leads The Acoustic Groove Project - an ensemble committed to the exploration of the sound of traditional jazz defined through the Caribbean, Latin American, and Urban groove of today’s music. The combination creates a sound that is fresh, soulful, and unique.
When you watch and listen to The Acoustic Groove Project, you’re confronted with the harmony of opposites…youth with experience; contemporary with traditional; form with freedom; energy with elegance.
Inspired by the simple structure and warm colors of Cuban jazz, the Acoustic Groove Project plays with an East Coast edge. Their sound is funky, bluesy, and full of life.
*Dave Renz - Saxophone*
Dave Renz has been playing saxophone professionally on the East Coast since the early 1990’s, and recently performed internationally in Paris, France. He writes, arranges and records with some of the top players in the area, and has performed at both the Berks Jazz Fest and Musik Fest on multiple occasions.
*Jeff Holden - Drums*
Jeff Holden is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music. His musical experiences include a variety of styles, including jazz, rock, and world music.
*Greg Orlando - Bass*
Greg Orlando is equally comfortable on electric or acoustic bass, and has studied with some of the best jazz musicians in the area. A student at West Chester University, he performs regularly in a variety of local projects and has had a wealth of studio experience.
*Dan Orlando - Piano*
Dan Orlando studies at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. He is a gifted pianist and writer and has appeared on multiple recordings.
*Walter Runge - Keys*
Known in the area as Walt Keys, Walter has been covering for founding member Dan Orlando when Dan is away at school or touring with his solo project. More than a substitute, Walter has become a 5th member and simply allows the AGP to explore a different angle, using skillful layering and electronic sound. When Walter is on the gig, we often become "The Electric Groove Project", playing the same repertoire that blurs lines between jazz and other styles, but has traditional jazz improv at it's core