Groove Therapy
Sacramento’s premium smooth jazz experience!
Feel our groove…
I Can’t Go For That - Halls and Oats
Rain Down on Me - Euge Groove
Black Diamond - Rippingtons
Never Too Much - Luther Vandross
featuring Tess Andrea
Get to
know us
Groove Therapy was founded in 2022 to fill a void in Sacramento and emerged as the premier contemporary jazz ensemble in the area! Consisting of saxophone, keyboard, guitar, bass, and drums, our ensemble is comprised of talented musicians who are dedicated to their craft. Our music genera focuses on upbeat pop and funk influenced smooth jazz hits with a blend of Yacht Rock standards that everyone can easily listen to and enjoy! We also frequently collaborate with local guest vocalists who can bring that special musical experience to an audience for a unique concert event. Groove Therapy is a perfect fit for wineries, family festivals, weddings, and upscale private events. We can tailor our sets to fit the crowd and are flexible with the performance demands. For more about the ensemble, read on, and if you are thinking about hiring a professional musical group for your event, reach out and let’s chat! We will always bring the groove!
Kim Peterson
I began playing the trumpet when I was 9 years old. The sax took over in 6th grade and when I was 13, I began piano. I was in my first rock/pop band in 7th grade and have since added other styles like funk, jazz and now smooth jazz with Groove Therapy. I got a degree in music in 1976 and went on the road with the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1977 where I played bari, alto, clarinet, bass clarinet and sang. In 1980 I taught music at Sierra College and in 1982 went to seminary where I began my career in music, living in Belgium and doing concerts throughout the continent 1985-1989. Our family moved back to the States until 1991 when we made our home in Catalunya, Spain until 2007. I played jazz along the Mediterranean coast, was active in a jazz school, and did tours in Spain, Turkey, Albania, Peru and other countries. We've lived in the US for the past 18 years. I continue to enjoy my music career playing concerts internationally, giving lessons and volunteering in elementary school music programs. My focus now is writing music for TV, composing, playing sax and singing with my band La Puerta Azul, and performing with Groove Therapy.
Manuel Luz
Piano-driven, jazz-influenced, and lyrically-evocative—Manuel Luz has released five albums of original music over 20 years, from his 2001 debut, A Bridge Called Surrender, to his latest effort, A Different Kind of Love Song, in 2022. Manuel performs: as a solo pianist/vocalist; with the Manuel Luz Trio (ML3); with the duo Waiting For Sunday;.and with the jazz fusion group, Groove Therapy. He has also produced, arranged, performed, and/or written for scores of independent music albums over the last few decades, including albums for Christian icons, Bob Kilpatrick and Randy Stonehill. You can order his music through all streaming services and online stores. He is also a published author and the inventor of the award-winning musical instrument, the WalkaBout Drum™.
Steve Brainard
Steve started playing bass and guitar in bands during high school and went on to earn a BA in Music/Audio Engineering. He has played regularly in worship bands, the latest of which is Bayside Folsom, and other musical settings throughout the years, including a Rush cover band. A few of his many musical influences include Phil Keaggy, Eric Johnson, Victor Wooton, Yellowjackets, Spyro Gyra, Acoustic Alchemy, Steely Dan, John Mayer, Sting, and Robben Ford. After decades in the software industry, Steve and his wife Krissy currently own and operate a thriving music school and recording facility in Folsom called “Music Lab”, where 250 students come weekly to receive the gift of music from 15 talented instructors
Matt Sawhill
I fell in love with bass the first time I played it 40+ years ago. Music has always had a huge impact on me. Being self taught I developed skills through listening and playing along with recorded music. Most of my bass heroes have always session bassists, they truly know how to elevate whatever piece of music they’re involved in. So I’ve tried to be that type of player. It continues to be a blessing to serve the players and listeners around me. Bass is subtle yet powerful, the glue that holds it all together.
Kevin Quaintance
Kevin began playing drums at age 8 in the late 70’s. Starting as a classical percussionist, he has performed with several symphonic orchestras and musical theater companies in Los Angeles. In high school he joined the rock trio group Side Effect and fell in love with the drumset. Since then, he’s played drums for various rock, jazz, and gospel groups throughout California over the past 3 decades. He started Groove Therapy to pursue his passion for smooth contemporary jazz. Hope you enjoy it! Kevin’s influences are Neil Peart, Stuart Copeland, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl and many others. Kevin plays DW and Gretsch drums, Evans heads, Vater drum sticks, and Zildjian cymbals.