-Eric Schuurmans (Belgium)
Mark Howe, also known as “DaFunkmaster”, who plays the bass. Mark, an extraordinary bassist, has mastered the groove across genres but specializes in Blues, Soul, and Funk. He played with the Jeff Healey Band in the mid-80s and led his own band, Spectrum, until 2020 when he became a full-time bassist for GARNETTA CROMWELL & DaGROOVMASTERS.
Robin Houston was born in a small Northern Ontario community. His mother was a musician and he always listened to her play the piano, which inspired him to pick up a set of drumsticks. Robin received his first drumkit when he was 8 years old. Robin played with local bands and would often sub in when needed. Robin moved to Southern Ontario in 1980 and his drums were a hobby until he joined The Whiskey Chasers, a band from the Hamilton, ON region. He continued to play with The Whiskey Chasers until he fully committed to become the full-time drummer for GARNETTA CROMWELL & DaGROOVMASTERS.
Toshihiro Otani, the lead guitarist known as “Toshi”, was born and raised in Japan. Toshi taught himself to play guitar at the age of 12. He was part of Tokyo’s Chicago-style blues scene before moving to Canada in 2013.
Juan Arce, a Colombian born sax player. Juan graduated from York University with an honour’s degree in fine arts, specializing in jazz performances. He started his musical career in 2003 working with his father at an early age. Since then, he has developed a highly versatile playing style performing, recording, and touring with several jazz, funk, and pop ensembles as well as various Latin groups and salsa orchestras. Juan has collaborated on several projects with Toronto band Shuffle Demons, and performed with several international Latin artists, including Gabriel Romero, Luis Felipe Gonzales, and Armando Hernandez, among others.
MAPLE BLUES MAGAZINE, July 2023 Edition Garnetta Cromwell & DaGroovmasters is one of resilience, passion, and transformative power of music. Their songs are not just notes and lyrics; it’s a story, an experience, and a journey through the soulful realms of blues. Their songs are sure to touch your heart and move your spirit. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of their enthralling musical voyage!!!!
-Blair Blain (Toronto Blues Society)
It is indeed Garnetta Cromwell’s time to shine!! Top notch vocals and songwriting combined with impeccable musicianship make Cromwell and her band a welcome addition to today’s blues scene!! -Jon Kleinman
December 2023 #5 on the Rock Doctor’s Hot Wax Review Every now and then an album comes along that lifts you up and just makes life feel better, and “Time to Shine” is just such a record. This is Garnetta Cromwell’s debut and it’s a lively, soulful adventure with the energy of Gladys Knight and The Jackson Five. The songs are as deep as they are effervescent.
-John “The Rock Doctor” Keireiff
“Time To Shine” is Canadian singer-songwriter Garnetta Cromwell’s debut release and is a very impressive soul/blues/R&B release. The album opens with a swinging tribute to Cromwell’s mother, “Miss Marva Ann”. Autobiographical lyrics are an excellent reflection of what is to be found on the rest of the album. Many of the lyrics on Time to Shine celebrate strong, powerful women! Cromwell is a superb soul-blues singer combining technical virtuosity with deep passion and humanity. Many of the songs have neat earworms of a chorus, for example on the funky “Weekend” or the irresistibly positive tongue-in-cheek “It’s A Woman World”. Time To Shine is a highly enjoyable album. Cromwell is a major talent, and it will be fascinating to see where this path leads her.
- Rhys “Lightning'” Williams
BLUES CORNER January 18, 2024
Canadian singer-songwriter Garnette Cromwell has an impressive soul/blues/R&B release firmly in her hands. The album contains eight original songs and two well-chosen covers. "Time To Shine" was recorded live with a band consisting of: Toshi Otani (guitar), Mark Howe (bass), Robin Houston (drums), Sabian Crosswell (keyboards) and Juan Arce (tenor saxophone). Together, they are DaGROOVMASTERS. "Time To Shine" offers us an exclusively female brass section, consisting of: Rebecca Hennessy, Colleen Allen, Carrie Chesnutt and Elena Kapeleris. Backing vocalists are Quisha Wint and Selena Evanageline, while producer Ken Whiteley actively participates in the recording and plays guitar, organ and backing vocals. Throughout the album, Ken insisted that no matter what, Garnetta's impressive vocals should be in the foreground, which he used abundantly and literally radiates throughout the album.
These two covers of Ruthie Foster's "Singing The Blues" and James Brown's "Think (About It)" took on a new meaning and took on that sophisticated female perspective.The album is almost entirely very playful and "joyful" only in the last song of the album, "Hey You Girl", where Garnetta sings about a sister, showing how deep a ballad can be regardless of what is being sung about. On the great foundations established by great singing divas like Aretha Franklin, there is always room for development to progress and go one step further! Garnetta uses it in her own way and doesn't care about anyone or anything, but simply moves on!Recommendation''Time To Shine'' by the excellent Garnette Cromwell is an example of a really enjoyable album, the content of which offers really fun and danceable moments and you just have to take advantage of it. There's no doubt, it's clear to all of us that Garnetta Cromwell is truly a magnificent!
- Mladen Loncar
Title | Date | Day | Location | Tickets |
---|---|---|---|---|
Blues @ the Red Door | 10 Nov 2024 | Sunday | 3595 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Etobicoke, ON, Canada | |
Frankies Hometown Tavern | 16 Nov 2024 | Saturday | 170 Brantwood Park Road, Brantford, ON, Canada | |
Ken Whiteley w Garnetta Cromwell Gospel Sunday Show | 24 Nov 2024 | Sunday | 296 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada | |
Garnetta's Open Jam @ Corktown Pub | 07 Dec 2024 | Saturday | 175 Young Street, Hamilton, ON, Canada | |
Erie Lodge # 149 (Port Dover) | 28 Dec 2024 | Saturday | 425 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada | |
Royal Canadian Legion Br# 158 (Port Dover) | 05 Jan 2025 | Sunday | 212 Market Street East, Port Dover, ON, Canada |
Title | Date | Day | Location | Tickets |
---|---|---|---|---|
Garnetta's Open Blues Jam @ Corktown Pub | 02 Nov 2024 | Saturday | 175 Young Street, Hamilton, ON, Canada | |
Titians Productions- Sisters of Soul | 20 Oct 2024 | Sunday | 991 Kennedy Road, Scarborough, ON, Canada | |
Masonic Lodge Erie #149 Port Dover | 05 Oct 2024 | Saturday | 425 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada | |
Wasaga Beach Festival | 15 Sep 2024 | Sunday | 291 Main Street, Wasaga Beach, ON, Canada | |
Haliburton County w/ Garnetta Cromwell | 14 Sep 2024 | Saturday | 719 Mountain Street, Haliburton, ON, Canada | |
Supercrawl (Rooftop) | 13 Sep 2024 | Friday | 324 James Street North, Hamilton, ON, Canada | |
Garnetta's Sweet Saturday Blues JAM @Corktown Pub | 07 Sep 2024 | Saturday | 175 Young Street, Hamilton, ON, Canada | |
Knights of Columbus' CornRoast Banger | 31 Aug 2024 | Saturday | 12 Catharine Avenue, Brantford, ON, Canada | |
Main Stage Rehearsal (Private Birthday Party) | 17 Aug 2024 | Saturday | 747 King Street East, Hamilton, ON, Canada | |
Bright Brand Cheese & Butter Specialty Grocery Store | 17 Aug 2024 | Saturday | 816503 Oxford Road 22, Bright, ON, Canada | |
Moonshine Cafe | 10 Aug 2024 | Saturday | 137 Kerr Street, Oakville, ON, Canada | |
Halton Freedom Festival | 03 Aug 2024 | Saturday | 1400 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, Canada | |
Ferocity Live Showcase | 25 Jul 2024 | Thursday | 3030 Dundas Street West, York, ON, Canada | |
Blue Monday @ Union Station | 15 Jul 2024 | Monday | Union Station, Toronto, ON, Canada | |
The Lighthouse Blues Festival | 13 Jul 2024 | Saturday | 750 Queen Street, Kincardine, ON, Canada | |
Garnetta's Sweet Saturday Blues JAM @Corktown Pub | 06 Jul 2024 | Saturday | 175 Young Street, Hamilton, ON, Canada | |
Stan's Canada Day Celebration Private Party | 30 Jun 2024 | Sunday | St. Catharines, ON, Canada | |
JJ's Bar & Lounge (Formerly Dakotas) | 29 Jun 2024 | Saturday | 2814 LakeShore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON, Canada | |
Afternoon Matinee at Frankies | 15 Jun 2024 | Saturday | 170 Brantwood Park Road, Brantford, ON, Canada | |
WinterFolk Fest @ The Redwood Theatre | 08 Jun 2024 | Saturday | 1300 Gerrard Street East, Toronto, ON, Canada | |
Garnetta's Sweet Saturday Blues JAM @Corktown Pub | 01 Jun 2024 | Saturday | 175 Young Street, Hamilton, ON, Canada | |
Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival | 31 May 2024 | Friday | Orangeville, ON, Canada | |
Back Alley Bar & Grill Matinee | 26 May 2024 | Sunday | 18 Princess Avenue, St. Thomas, ON, Canada | |
New Music Showcase | 09 May 2024 | Thursday | 1385 Main Street East, Hamilton, ON, Canada | |
Sammy's Creamery | 05 Apr 2024 | Friday | 75 Erie Avenue, Brantford, ON, Canada | |
Frankie's | 30 Mar 2024 | Saturday | 170 Brantwood Park Road, Brantford, ON, Canada | |
Moonshine Cafe | 02 Mar 2024 | Saturday | 137 Kerr Street, Oakville, ON, Canada | |
Saturday Afternoon Blues At The Regency w Steve Grisbroook | 24 Feb 2024 | Saturday | 8068 Mountain Road, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada | |
Blues Summit Eleven | 10 Feb 2024 | Saturday | 410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, ON, Canada | Closed |
Twilight Jazz and Blues Series - 7th Edition | 22 Jan 2024 | Monday | 769 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada | |
Hammer Hogs BBQ | 20 Jan 2024 | Saturday | 43 Argyle St N, Caledonia, ON N3W 1B8, Canada | |
Sammy's Creamery | 30 Dec 2023 | Saturday | 75 Erie Avenue, Brantford, ON, Canada | |
HBHAS Holiday Party | 09 Dec 2023 | Saturday | 828 Legion Road, Burlington, ON, Canada | Closed |
Ensemble on Cable 14 | 04 Dec 2023 | Monday | 398 Nash Road North, Hamilton, ON, Canada | |
Special Guest @ Jo Blos Roc n Woks | 02 Dec 2023 | Saturday | 2 Pelham Rd, St. Catharines, ON, Canada | |
Gator At The Norfolk | 18 Nov 2023 | Saturday | 200 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada | |
36th Womens Blues Revue | 17 Nov 2023 | Friday | 178 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, Canada | |
Halloween at Lviv | 28 Oct 2023 | Saturday | 201 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada | |
Folk Music Ontario | 14 Oct 2023 | Saturday | London, ON, Canada | |
Canal Banks Blues Shuffle | 12 Oct 2023 | Thursday | 3 Ormond Street South, Thorold, ON, Canada | |
Jazz Vespers Series w Ori Dagan | 30 Sep 2023 | Saturday | 2550 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada | |
Gator at the Norfolk | 16 Sep 2023 | Saturday | 200 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada | |
Architect Hair Design Supercrawl Rooftop | 09 Sep 2023 | Saturday | 324 James Street North, Hamilton, ON, Canada | |
CD Release Party in Hamilton, ON | 08 Sep 2023 | Friday | 11 Lansdowne Avenue, Hamilton, ON, Canada | Closed |
Beach Bash Party | 02 Sep 2023 | Saturday | 555 Bay Street North, Hamilton, ON, Canada | |
Lviv Castle Restaurant | 26 Aug 2023 | Saturday | 201 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada | |
Bear Creek Folk Festival | 20 Aug 2023 | Sunday | 10417 104 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB, Canada | |
Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival | 18 Aug 2023 | Friday | 481 5 Ave SW, Salmon Arm, BC, Canada | |
Nanaimo Blues Festival | 12 Aug 2023 | Saturday | 100 Comox Road, Nanaimo, BC, Canada | |
Vancouver, BC Guilt & Co. | 11 Aug 2023 | Friday | 1 Alexander Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada | |
Calgary International Blues Festival | 04 Aug 2023 | Friday | 1220 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, Canada | |
Gator At The Norfolk | 29 Jul 2023 | Saturday | 200 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada | |
Music In The Parks | 25 Jul 2023 | Tuesday | 14 Garnet Rd, Brantford, ON, Canada | |
Moonshine Cafe | 21 Jul 2023 | Friday | 137 Kerr Street, Oakville, ON, Canada | |
Blues Monday | 17 Jul 2023 | Monday | Union Station, Toronto, Ontario, Canada | |
Donnelly's out on the patio | 14 Jul 2023 | Friday | 57 Front Street South, Thorold, ON, Canada | |
Canada Day Private Party | 01 Jul 2023 | Saturday | St. Catharines, ON, Canada | |
2023 TD Jazz Festival | 30 Jun 2023 | Friday | Toronto, ON, Canada | |
Function Bar | 17 Jun 2023 | Saturday | 2291 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, Canada | |
Gator At The Norfolk | 10 Jun 2023 | Saturday | 200 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada | |
Heartwood Concert Hall | 25 May 2023 | Thursday | 939 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound, ON, Canada | |
Peter Piper's Pub House w Jimmy Caisson | 21 May 2023 | Sunday | 111 Hwy 20 E, Fonthill, ON, Canada | |
Durham Roots Festival @ Frontier Ghost Town Campground | 20 May 2023 | Saturday | 503186 Grey Rd 12, Markdale, West Grey, Ontario, Canada | |
Music By The Bay Live | 13 May 2023 | Saturday | 301 Watson Street West, Whitby, ON, Canada | |
Linsmore Tavern w Jerome Tucker Band | 07 May 2023 | Sunday | 1298 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada | |
WINTERTIDE at Royal Botannical Gardens | 06 May 2023 | Saturday | 603 Plains Road East, Burlington, ON, Canada | |
Gator at the Norfolk | 22 Apr 2023 | Saturday | 200 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada | |
SOS Spices on Sydenham | 15 Apr 2023 | Saturday | 159 Sydenham Street, Brantford, ON, Canada | |
Special guest apperance w Brant Parker at Donnelly's Pub | 15 Apr 2023 | Saturday | 54 Front Street South, Thorold, ON, Canada | |
Sammy's Creamery | 08 Apr 2023 | Saturday | 75 Erie Avenue, Brantford, ON, Canada | |
Function Bar | 25 Mar 2023 | Saturday | 2291 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, Canada | |
Moonshine Cafe | 24 Mar 2023 | Friday | 137 Kerr Street, Oakville, ON, Canada | |
2023 TD Jazz Festival | 13 Mar 2023 | Monday | ||
Winterfolk Festival 2023 | 26 Feb 2023 | Sunday | 319 Augusta Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada | |
Rev. John C Holland Black Excellence Awards | 18 Feb 2023 | Saturday | LIUNA Station Banquet Hall | |
Hamilton Public Library Central | 17 Feb 2023 | Friday | 55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON, Canada | |
International Blues Competition | 25 Jan 2023 | Wednesday | Beale Street, Memphis, TN, USA | |
International Blues Showcase at Hard Rock Cafe | 24 Jan 2023 | Tuesday | 126 Beale Street, Memphis, TN, USA | |
Fundraiser for Memphis at The Brown Barrel | 21 Jan 2023 | Saturday | 1515 Upper Ottawa Street, Hamilton, ON, Canada | |
Road To Memphis Fundraiser | 15 Jan 2023 | Sunday | 2291 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, Canada | |
Pre Christmas Party @ Sammy's Creamery | 23 Dec 2022 | Friday | 75 Erie Avenue, Brantford, ON, Canada | Closed |
Garnetta & Dagroovmasters | 17 Dec 2022 | Saturday | 137 Kerr Street, Oakville, ON, Canada | Closed |
Jeans & Sparkle Holiday Party w HBHAS | 03 Dec 2022 | Saturday | 828 Legion Road, Burlington, ON, Canada | Closed |
Function Bar | 26 Nov 2022 | Saturday | 2291 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, Canada | Closed |
Women In Blues Revue | 25 Nov 2022 | Friday | 178 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, Canada | Closed |
Function Bar | 19 Nov 2022 | Saturday | 2291 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, Canada | Closed |
Gator At The Norfolk | 05 Nov 2022 | Saturday | 200 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada | Closed |
BIPOC hART Music Series | 14 Oct 2022 | Friday | 200 Caroline Street North, Hamilton, ON, Canada | Closed |
Queen Street West Art Crawl Festival | 24 Sep 2022 | Saturday | 790 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, Canada | Closed |
Play The Parks (Harmony Square) TDCanda & CMIncubators | 18 Sep 2022 | Sunday | 89 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, ON, Canada | Closed |
Hamilton's Supercrawl | 10 Sep 2022 | Saturday | 324 James Street North, Hamilton, ON, Canada | Closed |
Southside Shuffle- Main Stage | 09 Sep 2022 | Friday | Memorial Park, Port Credit, ON | Closed |
Beggar's Blues Banquet | 08 Sep 2022 | Thursday | 35 Front Street North, Mississauga, ON, Canada | Closed |
8th Annual T.U. Jazz Fest 2022 | 04 Sep 2022 | Sunday | 5100 Yonge Street, North York, ON, Canada | Closed |
Club Envy | 27 Aug 2022 | Saturday | 93 Cedar Drive, Turkey Point, ON, Canada | Closed |
Gator @ the Norfolk | 26 Aug 2022 | Friday | 200 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada | Closed |
Brant Parker's Special guest | 20 Aug 2022 | Saturday | 54 Front Street South, Thorold, ON, Canada | Closed |
City Of Hamilton "Jazz in the Creek" | 19 Aug 2022 | Friday | 54 King Street East, Hamilton, ON, Canada | Closed |
Emancipation Day Celebration | 13 Aug 2022 | Saturday | Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines, ON, Canada | Closed |
Halton Freedom Celebration | 30 Jul 2022 | Saturday | 1400 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, Canada | Closed |
Pub Fiction | 23 Jul 2022 | Saturday | 1242 Garner Road West, Ancaster, ON, Canada | Closed |
Donnelly's Pub Sunday Matinee | 17 Jul 2022 | Sunday | 54 Front Street South, Thorold, ON, Canada | Closed |
Black Swan | 16 Jul 2022 | Saturday | 154 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada | Closed |
70's Night at Club Boullee | 09 Jul 2022 | Saturday | 98 Boullee Street, London, ON, Canada | Closed |
Toronto Blues Society Finals | 02 Jul 2022 | Saturday | Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada | Closed |
Canada Day Celebration | 01 Jul 2022 | Friday | To Be Announced | Closed |
Moonshine Cafe | 25 Jun 2022 | Saturday | 137 Kerr Street, Oakville, ON, Canada | |
Soulful Kafe | 18 Jun 2022 | Saturday | 81 Brant Ave, Brantford, ON, Canada | Closed |
George Hamilton | 28 May 2022 | Saturday | 152 King Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada | Closed |
Turkey Point Hotel | 22 May 2022 | Sunday | 93 Cedar Drive, Turkey Point, ON, Canada | Closed |
Gator At The Norfolk | 20 May 2022 | Friday | 200 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada | Closed |
Spices on Sydenham-Afternoon Matinee | 14 May 2022 | Saturday | 159 Sydenham Street, Brantford, ON, Canada | Closed |
Friday the 13th In Port Dover, | 13 May 2022 | Friday | 200 Main St, Port Dover, ON, Canada | Closed |
Spring Up! | 07 May 2022 | Saturday | 270 Sherman Avenue North, Hamilton, ON, Canada | Closed |
Commodore's Ball | 30 Apr 2022 | Saturday | RHYC Royal Hamilton Yacht Club | Closed |
International Blues Competition | 27 Mar 2022 | Sunday | 339 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON, Canada | Closed |
The Black Swan | 26 Mar 2022 | Saturday | 154 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada | Closed |
New single: “No Excuses (For Being Mistreated)”
The new single from Garnetta Cromwell & DaGroovmasters, “No Excuses (For Being Mistreated)” is another crowd pleaser for blues and soul fans—just like the group itself.
“No Excuses” has a triumphant, bluesy, anthemic feel. Its lyrics are unifying, uplifting, and healing. Cromwell describes the single as “not only an upbeat New Orleans shuffle, but it also has a powerful message that needs to be delivered globally.”
“I’m a warrior/I love all my sisters and brothers/ Whether rich or poor/ And to all the hateful ones/I’m gonna show you the door,” she belts with love, joy and a soulful energy.
Cromwell, who calls Hamilton, ON home, says the while song was inspired by a specific incident, it speaks to the fact that so many of us have been mistreated: “NO ONE has the right to mistreat another human being or animal. Absolutely NO ONE!” she says.
“No Excuses (For Being Mistreated)” was released on Sept. 7, 2024. You can see her perform the song live at various gigs this month.
Written by Garnetta Cromwell and Ken Whiteley, “No Excuses (For Being Mistreated)” was produced by Cromwell at the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology in London, ON.
Established in 2022, the Hamilton-based band has been garnering a variety of admirers: music afficionados, music fans, and blues musicians from across North America.
American pianist Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne says, “If you wanna have a good time, come see Garnetta. If you wanna feel better, come see Garnetta. If you wanna feel good, come see Garnetta.”
Garnetta Cromwell & DaGroovmasters is a soulful, funky, fusion blues band that delivers high-energy shows at festivals, awards shows, and more. It features Garnetta Cromwell on lead vocals, saxophonist Juan Arce, lead guitarist Toshihiro “T-Bird” Otani, drummer Robin Houston, bassist Mark Howe, and trombonist Aiden Keir. Their first CD Time to Shine, produced by Ken Whiteley, was nominated for a 2023 Maple Blues Award for New Artist/Group.
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Media Contact
Erica Phillips
fifthandpark@gmail.com
Bookings
bookinggarnetta@gmail.com
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