MIKE GREENE (LEAD VOCALS/PERCUSSION)
Mike has been entertaining New England audiences for over 20 years. He got his start sitting in with regionally popular acts like The Wicked Big Band and Mama Kicks, then went on to form Rhythm Coalition, and the highly successful Groove Alliance. While serving in Iraq, and with the help of a prominent Iraqi citizen, Mike arranged for Groove Alliance to play what was dubbed the “Deadly Force Tour“, traveling to Iraq in January of 2007 to play shows in the International Zone and at the US Embassy. Mike recently performed with the band Chicago during the band's 2010 US tour with the Doobie Brothers. He is a spirited, positive front man with a strong and clear tenor voice, and his presentation skills are unmatched in New England.
Amy Fichera (Lead vocals/percussion)
Over the past two decades, Amy has become no stranger to the stage. Having earned roles in over 30 plays, musicals, and operas throughout New England, she has also fronted jazz groups and rock groups alike. Amy received her bachelors degree in music education from Gordon College, studying classical voice with the likes of Carroll Lehman, Susan and Thomas Brooks, and Craig Hart. Her first introduction to the rock world was through her partnering with dear old drummer/singer Dad back in 2002, forming the group "Phat Happy and the Dance Doctors". Nearly ten years and a handful of bands later, she happily resides with Groove Alliance. Her outstanding stage presence and sharp vocal harmonies are unsurpassed by any female performer in Boston. Check out her website here.
Ben Wangerin (drums)
Ben started playing drums at nine years of age and never quit. He had his first paying gig in the fifth grade. He was involved in music programs at the Andover, MA public schools, from 4th through 12th grade, and played in rock bands outside of school.
Ben has studied from teaching/playing greats Alan Dawson and Gary Chaffee. He attended the Musicians' Institute in Hollywood, Ca. in 1990, where he studied from an all-star faculty, and graduated with honors. Ben has been playing in the New England area for well over 20 years in many different bands, whether they be rock, jazz or blues.
Ben has studied from teaching/playing greats Alan Dawson and Gary Chaffee. He attended the Musicians' Institute in Hollywood, Ca. in 1990, where he studied from an all-star faculty, and graduated with honors. Ben has been playing in the New England area for well over 20 years in many different bands, whether they be rock, jazz or blues.
Ray Martini (keyboards, backing vocals)
Ray is a 40 year veteran of the New England music scene, who started gigging in 1971. Martini has played thousands of shows over the years, and has become one of the most versatile and sought after keyboardist/utility players in the Boston area.
Pat Wroge (tenor/alto/soprano saxophones, flute)
After earning a bachelor of science degree in music education at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Pat moved to Boston from Missouri to study at the world renowned Berklee College of Music. Since then, Pat has performed with many of Boston's finest musicians including drummer Kenwood Dennard. Pat has also played and recorded with the highly successful Boston based ska band Pressure Cooker. In addition to being a sideman, Pat also has his own project, "Pat Wroge & The Urban Groove Experience", specializing in original groove jazz. You can learn more about Pat Wroge or purchase his CD at CDBaby, iTunes, or www.patwroge.com.
Spencer Elliott (guitar, lead/backing vocals)
When Spencer was twelve, he started sneaking the guitar out of his older brother's room to play it in secret. When he was finally caught, his parents noticed his talent and drove him to a Music-Go-Round, where Spencer spent his life savings on a rip-off Les Paul. Twelve years, a Gibson, and a college education later, Spencer has played in acts ranging in genre from jazz to R&B, gospel to country, blues to bluegrass, rock & roll to rock-a-billy. He was a sought-after musician in Central Ohio for the last ten years before relocating to Boston. Spencer currently plays with several bands in the Boston area, most notably Introduction, and of course Groove Alliance. Check him out here.
Jim Robins (trombone)
Jim made his professional debut at age 16 with the popular Boston-based band "The Infractions". Jim has been on the New England music scene for over 15 years. He holds a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of New Hampshire, where he studied trombone with Nic Orovich, and jazz improvisation with Dave Seiler, Colin Mason, Fred Haas, and the one and only trumpet legend Clark Terry. Other teachers have included Jeff Galindo and Rick Stepton. A long time member of GA, Jim is also a member of the Seacoast Big Band in Durham, NH, and has shared a stage with/backed up trombone legends Al Grey, Slide Hampton, Phil Wilson and John Fedchock, along with jazz greats Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jay Ashby, Richie Cole, Ingrid Jensen and many others.
Jay Lizotte (Trumpet)
Jay studied at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell under the teaching of Joseph Foley. While at UMASS Lowell Jay also played in several different ensembles under the direction of Dan Lutz most in a lead trumpet capacity. Following college Jay substituted with several local bands including John Keegan & Madhouse, Wild Nites, and The Jim Bogus Crew. Jay played several years as the principle trumpet player for the Merrimack Valley Concert Band and most recently has taken on the trumpet playing duties with the popular show band Groove Alliance.
Jim Sambataro (Bass)
Whether it's a Motown classic or the latest top forty hit, Jim always finds the pocket. Originally from Lawrence MA, he has been playing bass for 37 years. Since then, he has performed extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. One of Jim's proudest career moments occurred in January 2007, when he traveled to Baghdad, Iraq with GA. They performed shows in the heavily fortified "Green Zone" for US Troops, US Embassy workers, and Iraqi citizens who were working in the IZ, along-side the Americans. When performing, you can't help but notice how much fun Jim is having! He adds his own unique energy that compliments his band mates and he brings it every performance.
