TC & The Groove Family are a 10-piece collective whose music celebrates the coming together of cultures, and the community that music can provide for everyone. Originally formed in Leeds, their sound reflects the diverse musical and cultural backgrounds at the core of the project, with songs exploring grooves and genres from the UK and around the world, including afrobeat, broken beat, jungle, jazz and grime.
Driven by drummer Tim Cook (TC) and fronted by a combination of spiritual leader Pariss Elektra and Sheffield wordsmith Franz Von, their live shows are powerful and dynamic, creating moments of both euphoria and stillness to keep audiences on their toes. The band have supported afro-fusion legends K.O.G & The Zongo Brigade and UK jazz pioneers Nubiyan Twist, Yussef Dayes and PYJÆN en route to becoming one of the most sought after live acts on the UK jazz circuit.
Word spread quickly about the group after they performed on the Chai Wallah stage at Shambino in August 2021, leading to them signing to Bristol label Worm Discs (Snazzback, corto. alto) for the release of their debut album ‘First Home’ in 2022. Recorded and produced by Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist, ONIPA), the record reflects upon home being about the people and community you share it with, rather than a set physical space.
Building on the success of early singles, the record found support from tastemakers including Jamz Supernova and Craig Charles on BBC Radio 6, Emily Pilbeam on BBC Introducing West Yorkshire, and their single ‘Duende’ was playlisted on Jazz FM. This also grew into widespread editorial support across Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. Summer 2022 saw them make a name for themselves on the UK festival circuit, with appearances at Glastonbury, We Out Here, Greenman and Kendal Calling topped with a crowning headline set on the Chai Wallah stage at Shambala.
April 2023 will see the band embark on their first UK-wide venue tour, supported with funding from Jazz North’s ‘Northern Line’ programme, before they head into the studio to record new music in May.