A work in progress...
Absolute Grüv sends a classic sound to the ears. A sound that has been heard by few in many years. Absolute Grüv blends their roots in in Jazz and Blues, their always evolving Grüvs, and their extensive list of Classic Rock covers to give their audience a show full of rich music. The music consists of a growing repertoire of originals and songs the audience is sure to recognize.
Based in Orono, Minnesota, the band has easy access to the western suburbs and the greater area of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. This easy access gives them the chance to play at many venues. Some of these venues include: The Quest Club, Famous Dave's Blues Club in Minneapolis, The Poodle Club, The Narrows, Jack's on Mille Lacs, Froggy's, Weigels Ein Prosit, Hollywood Bar, The Loretto Sports Grill, The Breakaway Bar and Grill, The Retro Roast and Fountain, The Anoka County Fair, Zorbaz, Corn Days, and many others....
Formed in the summer of 2003 the band could first be found under the title Foxtrot Lula. The band's founders were Sam Hankey, Ian Wilson, Bennett Myhran (Former Guitar Player), Ben Hartlein, and Clay Whitney. These "founders" came from very diverse musical backgrounds. Since the early spring of 2003 Ian, Ben, and Clay had been on a quest to find a bright side to music after years in a darker band. Their quest was completed when they met Sam and Bennett. After the formation of Foxtrot Lula it didn't take long for the Grüv to decide the name didn't fit. Thus, by mid-December for reasons unknown to any remaining members the band changed the name to Absolute Grüv. The name wasn't the only thing changing. The five members in Absolute Grüv contracted a percussion fever. The percussion crazed guys in Absolute Grüv quickly added Lane Gehle as a second drummer and Kenny Fritze as an auxiliary percussionist. As you could've guessed from the current lineup the percussion craze didn't last long. Although they were both good drummers Lane Gehle and Kenny Fritze were kindly asked to leave. The band was now back to the original members. The Grüv enjoyed several good performances before Bennett Myhran decided the band was not for him. He left in the summer of 2005 due to what he calls "a case of lethal hemorrhoids". Sam, Ben, Ian and Clay played shows throughout the summer. In the fall, after 2 twelve-hour recording sessions, the Grüv had completed a 3 song demo at Winterland Studios. The demo can be heard throughout this sight.
Later, after an appearance at a local charity battle of the bands, Absolute Gruv hooked up with booking agent, Mike 'Tiny' Rogers and TR Entertainment. Since then the Gruv has been busy playing shows around the 5 state area and even sometimes making trips up to Ontario, Canada.
The most recent change in the band line up was in the lower end. After graduating from school, Ben Hartlein decided to leave the band to pursue a solo vocal career in Madison, WI. He is hoping this move and his hard-work and determination will one day lead him to a top ten spot on American Idol.
The band quickly picked up another young talent from the area, Nick James (Como Park), to take over the bass guitar.
The Absolute Grüv of today is quickly moving forward. They have received press in the Star Tribune, Sun Sailor, and the Pioneer Press. In cyber-space Absolute Grüv can be found at websites such as JamBase, the Twin City Music Network, the Minnesota Music Directory, Purevolume, myspace, and Isound. They will be playing a wide assortment of venues in the near future. Check the shows calendar and find a free evening to give the Grüv a listen.
Currently Absolute Grüv is busy writing new music and recording at Logic Studios with Brett Bart and Winterland Studios with Brian Johnson. Due to a constraint on funds there is an album in the works that has yet to be finished. We here at www.absolutegruv.com will let you know when it is completed.
