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Perpetual Groove Announces New Keyboardist
Brock Butler at Amberland 2008 by Brad Kuntz
Perpetual Groove has announced the addition of keyboardist John Hruby to the band's full time lineup. Hruby is originally from Youngstown, OH, but currently resides in Atlanta, GA and has spent the past few years holed up at Zone Studios under the tutelage of producer/engineer extraordinaire, Billy Hume. Hruby's tenure with Zone Studios has garnered him quite a bit of mainstream attention, as he has worked with many of the rap industry's heavy hitters like Ciara, Ludacris, David Banner and the Ying Yang Twins. It was through working with the Ying Yang Twins that Hruby met and collaborated with renowned hip-hop producer Mr. Collipark, resulting in Hruby's first platinum record for his work on United State of Atlanta, featuring the co-produced song "Live Again" with Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine guesting on vocals. "It was very surreal" says Hruby. "I never thought that would be the way it would happen....I'm a rock n' roll guy! Before moving to Atlanta, I hadn't listened to rap music since middle school!"
While he has one foot firmly planted in the hip-hop world, Hruby is no stranger to the jam scene. You may recognize his name as the bandleader for one of the most innovative jambands to come out of the Ohio music scene, Guest. Hruby still occasionally performs with Guest, and the band will celebrate their ten year anniversary with a pair of shows this September. During his time with Guest, Hruby performed with some of the country's top jamband staples, including Umphrey's McGee and Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey.
When Perpetual Groove keyboardist Matt McDonald ended his career with the band this past May, there was no question that John Hruby would be the perfect addition to the next chapter in the band's history. Hruby's history with the current members goes all the way back to 2003 when Guest and Perpetual Groove shared the bill on several shows throughout the Southeast and Midwest. An immediate bond was formed resulting in a side-project, The Ruins, featuring current PGroove members Brock Butler and Adam Perry as well as Travis Kline (Capt. Soular Cat,) on drums.
When John was first approached about the position in Perpetual Groove, it was met with mixed emotions. A long time friend of the band, it was difficult for him to see Matt McDonald departing. "I consider Matt a good friend" says Hruby. It really is important to look at things in perspective. I am not here to replace Matt; that simply can't be done. I am here to help begin a new chapter in the band's evolution." The evolution has been a work in progress; from sit-ins with Perpetual Groove to working the side project, Hruby's addition to the band brings the relationship full circle. "I am a songwriter at heart, and I am relishing the opportunity to get back to live music on a regular basis" says Hruby. "I have been so blessed in life. I look forward to seeing where this wild journey will take me next!"
Fans of Perpetual Groove will get a sneak peek of this new marriage of musicians on June 28 at the first annual Vortex Festival in Asheville, NC before he makes his official debut with the band at The ROTHBURY Festival in Rothbury, MI on July 3. Perpetual Groove will be keeping a light schedule this summer for extensive rehearsals, but expect to see the band return to the Northeast, Midwest, Colorado, and of course, the Southeast this fall. For more information on John Hruby, check out his site at www.myspace.com/jhruby.
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