NEW MUSIC ON THE VINEYARD
By Julian Wise- Entertainment Writer, Martha's Vineyard Times

One of the upsides of summer on the Vineyard is the infusion of
fresh live music. This month we'll be visited by Rhode Island favorites
Planet Groove.

The group photo of Planet Groove looks like the soul brothers of
local favorites Entrain, complete with ethnic shirts, colorful berets, and
long hair. Like Entrain, the band is grounded in a strong percussion groove
with Berklee-trained drummer Ajay Coletta and singer/percussionist Larry
Barron laying down insistent polyrhythms that get your feet moving. Planet
Groove explores a heady blend of latin, jazz, funk, fusion, and progressive
rock. The band has won the Providence Phoenix's Best Local Jazz Act award
for 1999, 2000, and 2001.

Guitarist John Medeiros is an astute student of the snaky melodies
of Carlos Santana and weaves his metallic notes between the fluid bass
playing of Leith MacArthur and the keyboard flourishes of Aaron Wade.
Vocalist Larry Barron sings English and Spanish. The band covers Miles
Davis("So What"), Rush Hour Music ("Autobahn"), King Crimson ("Elephant
Talk") and Vince Guaraldi's "Linus and Lucy." Originals include the
instrumental track "El Torpedo" with its serpentine guitar runs and
clattering percussion. The lush "Del Rio" seems designed to coax listeners
onto the dance floor with its samba rhythms. While this eclectic band is an
unlikely candidate for top-40 stardom, the immaculate musicianship and high
energy of the group makes for a delightful musical experience. If their
galloping rendition of "Linus and Lucy" doesn't get your toes tapping,
check your pulse to make sure you're not dead.

Planet Groove plays at Lola's on July 12th and 13th