Just found this amazing description of groove…
Groove Concept and Development
No single phrase sums up the essence of bass playing better than “the groove.” Those who have it live by it, those in ned of it seek it out like the Holy Grail. But what exactly is groove? The word “groove” is often used to describe a rhythmic style, as in “shuffle groove” or “funk groove.” Another definition is a bit more ethereal: “Groove is the energetic force created by an individual or group of musicians through the act of playing.” This energy is what makes people bob their heads, tap their toes, and shake their booties. Although this definition implies the presence of a steady pulse (as in dance-orientated music), groove can also be present in forms such as classical music in which tempos may vary at the direction of a conductor. If we accept that groove is energy, then it is essentially the life force behind music. It is not bound to strict tempo, but it is more often linked to it. Time and groove are not necessarily the same thing: It is possible to kep strict metronomic time but not groove. it is also possible to rush or drag the time a bit within a tune and still not groove hard…
The groove is an enigma. You can’t touch it, but you can feel it. you can’t see it, but you can watch its effects. It can be powerful enough to move thousands of people, but you can kill it in an instant with one stray thought. When people play together and groove, the energy is transmitted among the musicians and opens up a group link to its source. Everyone feels it, and the experience forms deep personal bonds. The energy exchange creates a euphoric state that all musicians have experienced, either as listeners or players. When the chill runs up your spine, it’s the groove – the reason we play. On the other hand, when the groove isn’t happening or gets sabotaged by ego or carelessness, it can turn brother against brother, create tension that will break up a band, get someone fired, ruin reputations. The groove is serious business. It is something to honour, serve, and protect. If you mess with it, you’re in deep trouble.
Excerpt from chapter 2 of Bass Grooves by Ed Friedland.
Posted by aconfused1 