“We want to catch people’s attention,” she said. “We want to respect these classics but at the same time we want to bring a whole new feel to them.” From 80’s rock to swamp pop and country, Jelly Roll, Miley Cyrus, Bruno Mars, or epic singalongs like “Sweet Caroline,” the band has a full bag of tricks to dig into for every show. Joni especially likes to break out fun and empowering, “kick butt girl songs” from female fronted acts, and raw emotional ballads that people can connect with. It’s put the band into a number of coastal hot spots, keeping dance floors packed out at bars and restaurants, private parties, casinos, Cruisin’ the Coast events and local festivals on a regular basis since they first launched around five years ago.
Looking forward, Baytown Groove are working up some original music for a future album release. According to Joni, they have a wealth of material they are sifting through at the moment, and everyone in the band is a writer. Bringing those pieces together and dialing in that sound is an exciting but involved process that the band hopes will result in some killer new music a little later this year. Joni Compretta also released a solo album some time back, in the days post-Katrina. Her album, which is available for streaming, was recorded in Nashville and leaned heavily into her country side and led to some touring, including trips to Europe. Baytown Groove occasionally revisits some of this material, such as the song “I Love You,” which represents a bit more of that soulful genre mix Joni and the band are into now.
Joni Compretta and Baytown Groove have several dates booked through March and April including Captain Al’s, Dan B’s, Hollywood Casino, and more beyond that. On April 22nd they take the stage at Hard Rock Live as part of our Coast Observer Covey Awards ceremony for what will surely be a fantastic big stage performance. Keep up with the band online for more, and as always – get out there and catch a show!
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scott@coastobserver.com
@ScottiRedd9
Joni Compretta and Baytown Groove:
Joni Compretta – lead vocals
Charlie Kihneman – guitar, vocals
Chris Loepke – guitar
Mike Koptyra – keys, trumpet
Bryan Gieseler – drums
Austin Kelly – bass, vocals
Chris Sullivan – saxophone
Facebook @JCandBaytownGroove
Photos courtesy of Marc Berman, Joni Compretta and Baytown Groove, Claudia Loepke (headshot)
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