About Me
Viewed among his peers as the complete guitarist, John “Groovalicious†Willis has all the bases covered. His guitar playing encompasses the styles of Jazz-Fusion, R&B, Blues, Funk, Rock, Gospel, Latin and Soul. Known both for laying down tasty grooves and emoting lead guitar work that touches the soul, Groovalicious plays with serious passion and feel.
A native to the NYC music scene, he has worked and shared the stage with artists such as Melissa Morgan, Sheri, Audrey Wheeler, Marie-Alyse Deveau, Tom Browne, Dolemite, Clones Of Funk, PREZ and Dave Mullen.Groovalicious was part of the awesome guitar duo in Nappyhead Funk Army and also held the guitar position for several years with NYC Funk/Soul group Rhythm Republik.
As a leader, he founded the Jazz-Fusion group JEMSA and was co-founder of the Alternative group Mo’ PhaT.Originally a trumpet player, his formal training was in classical music. He was a self taught guitarist. As his proficiency with the guitar increased, he made a name for himself playing both trumpet and guitar on many gigs. He found it easier to be more expressive with the guitar and eventually dropped the trumpet all together.His style was developed listening to the music of Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, Sly & the Family Stone, Funkadelic, Earth, Wind & Fire, Prince, Rufus & Chaka Khan, Kool & the Gang, Return To Forever, and Miles Davis. His guitar influences were Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Tony Maiden, Alan Holdsworth, and Hiram Bullock. But equally influential were his fellow guitarist from Brooklyn, NY. Guitarists like Andre Lassalle and Vernon Reid.Recording credits include working with producers Kevin Harrington, Rashid Golden, Sekou Bunch, Paul Fraoley, William “PREZ†Bush, and Mark Bass.
Discography:
“Never All Alone†- Mo’ PhaT (Alternative),
“Revolution†- Zackeria Cloud 9 (Gospel),
“Joy†- Sheri (Gospel),
“Funkin’ for Life†- Nappyhead (Funk/Rock),
“Live From Wetlands Preserve†- Rhythm Republik (Soul)
