<bt>Through various incarnations, the acoustic trio Cerulean Groove has been playing a fusion of rock, folk, funk, jazz and blues in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C., area since 2001. The band was nominated for a 2003 WAMMIE (Washington Area Music Award) as Best Contemporary Folk Duo/Trio and sold out of its self-released debut EP, "The Cue-Stick Sessions."
The trio's current lineup consists of vocalist and percussionist Laura Cerulli, a resident of Severn, Md.; guitarist and vocalist T.J. Griffin of D.C.; and bass-player Larry Joseloff of Bethesda, Md. Cerulli and Joseloff have been with the band since its inception, with Griffin joining them a year ago.
On Feb. 28, Cerulean Groove brings its three-person show to the Jammin' Java in Vienna. The 8 p.m. performance celebrates the release of the band's first full-length CD, "Over Crooked Tables."
"The album is a compilation of tunes that I've been writing for the last few years," said Cerulli. She describes the album as an "evolution of songwriting" that she did with the band's first two guitarists.
Connection: How would you describe Cerulean Groove's music?
Cerulli: It's sort of a hybrid of rock, jazz, blues and folk. It's kind of acoustic rock, but it has a lot of blues and jazz influences.
What bands or musicians do you see as your influences?
Personally, one of mine is Tracy Chapman. My bass player is into jam bands, like Pfish and the (Grateful) Dead. My guitarist is all over the chart.
What types of venues do you like to play at?
I really like smaller venues, because you're more face-to-face with the crowd, and you can interact with the crowd. I really like that.
What can people expect at the Feb. 28 CD release party?
The release party is going be a blast. Old Dominion Brewing Co. is coming out to do a beer tasting [starting at 6 p.m.] before the show. Music will start about 8, and we’ll do two sets till about 10. It should be a party atmosphere with music. It should be a really good time, and I hope that everybody will be relaxed.
Where is the ideal place to listen to your new CD?
It's a good driving album. I listen to a lot of music when I'm driving. This album does well by driving. It's kind of a chillin' album, something that you can sit back, relax and have a good time.
Tickets for Cerulean Groove's Feb. 28, CD Release Party are $10 and available at the door or in advance at Jammin' Java, 227 Maple Ave., E., Vienna. For more information about the show, call 703-255-1566, or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Copies of the Cerulean Groove's "Over Crooked Tables" CD are available for purchase through www.cdbaby.com. For more information about the band, visit www.ceruleangroove.com.