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From AMG Reviews- Paula Edelstein,
All Music Guide Chad Rager Groove: 21st Century Groove (Strokeland Records SR007CD) The Chad Rager Groove features fantastic horns, great bass, sizzling keyboards, superb arrangements of old and new songs, all drawn together by the drum slinger himself.
Based in Chicago, drummer Chad Rager rages to the delight of his fellow big band members on such great standards as Monk's "Straight No Chaser,"
and his own "Pyramid of Pachyderms."
This band's arrangements of songs that span the musical spectrum are glowing vehicles
for Rager's high energy drumming.
Give a listen to "The Heat's On," to hear
Rager's innovative grooves
and the unconventional comping by each band member.
Top picks: "Smile" the classic that everybody loves
and "Chicklets" by Brooke Hopkins. **** 
Fritz the Night Owl
WJZA Smooth Jazz 103.5
- It takes only seven words to describe Chad Rager:
- “a dynamic drummer of the first rank.”
- And this description perfectly defines his latest release,
- 21st Century Groove
- recorded live at Mills James Productions in Hilliard.
- Chad, a 1972 graduate of Columbus North High, worked our local scene for years as a player, teacher, and clinician.
- He currently resides in Illinois and fronts Groove,
- a powerhouse octet that produces an energized big band sound with the intimacy and individuality of a small group.
- His drumming reflects his early influences: the power of Krupa, the technique of Rich, the dynamics of Bellson,
- and the musicality of Roach.
- To these, he adds his own innovative concepts and strengths, thus creating a percussive punch that’s unique – and his alone.
- This is exciting, foot-tappin’, finger-snappin’ foreground jazz
- at its most-intense – definitely not the CD
- for use as background at your next tea party,
- intimate dinner, or romantic interlude.
- Every track cooks-on-high, from the opening
- “Sing, Sing, Sing,” or the closing “Whipping Post.”
- In between you’ll enjoy pulse-pounding performances from the songbooks of Monk and Nestico, along with a few Rager originals.
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"It's All About The Groove"
| Chad Rager (ray-gr)
is a entertainer that just happens to be a drummer.
When you hear him play, he immediately
evokes memories of two of the greatest. . .
Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich.
Chad and his band the Chad Rager Groove
are currently touring in support of his first CD
"21st Century Groove"with Strokeland Records .
The band is performing in large and small
concert venues, corporate events, and playing in
high schools and colleges all across
America as a fundraiser for their music departments.
"Chad Rager demonstrates solid skills
and the ability to weave
an interesting percussive display.
He drives, he floats, and like a preacher,
as he delivers his "sermon"."
The band mixes a variety of moods
while introducing the whole band
along the way: soloists, sections,
and of course Chad Rager's driving drums,
as everybody gets a chance to shine.
"The horn section often uses lines that are
richer and more jazzy versions
of Tower of Power horns."
Naming the band the "Chad Rager Groove"
reflects the fact that this band is not confined to
traditional big band selections,
but that it is confident enough to venture out
into rock and funk selections as well.
The guiding principal of the band is the "groove",
smooth tasteful sounds
that appeals to listeners ears.
"Rager's arrangements have reintroduced me to an old friend, only all spruced-up.
Familiar, but new. Loved for its familiarity
but appreciated in its new incarnation."
"A truly impressive performance!"
If you enjoy most of the styles that jazz can take,
Rager offers several "flavors" to choose from,
and you won't be disappointed.
"Every song we select has affected me
in a musical and personal way.
I feel blessed to be able to perform them!" Chad Rager. Chad Rager is a Strokeland Records Recording artist. 
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PARTIAL SONGLIST
Sing, Sing, Sing - Louie Prima
Straight No Chaser - Thelonius Monk
April In Paris - Count Basie
The Heats On - Sammy Nestico
Satin Doll - Duke Ellington
Sentimental Journey - Glenn Miller
Zomba Somba - Brooke Hopkins
What Is Hip - Tower of Power
Squib Cakes - Tower of Power
Smile - Parson, Phillips, Chaplin
St. Bernard - Chad Rager & Bob Murnahan
Pyramid of Pacyderms - Tim Davis
Whippin' Post - The Allman Brothers
Groovin' Hard - Buddy Rich
Tangled & Dark - Bonnie Rait
I'm Getting Sentimental Over You - Tommy Dorsey
Four Brothers - Woody Herman
Foot Stomping Music - Grand Funk Railroad
Back In Black - ACDC
Tune 88 - Jeff Lorber
Sambandrea Swing - Louie Bellson
and many more!
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Pro ReviewsEXPERT RATING: 
From AMG Reviews
The Chad Rager Groove features
fantastic horns, great bass, sizzling keyboards,
superb arrangements of old and new songs,
all drawn together by
the drum slinger himself.
Based in Chicago, drummer Chad Rager rages to the delight of his fellow big band members on such great standards as Monk's "Straight No Chaser,"
and his own "Pyramid of Pachyderms."
This band's arrangements of songs
that span the musical spectrum
are glowing vehicles
for Rager's high energy drumming.
Give a listen to "The Heat's On,"
to hear Rager's innovative grooves
and
the unconventional comping
by each band member.
Top picks:
"Smile" the classic that everybody loves
and
"Chicklets" by Brook Hopkins. - Paula Edelstein, All Music Guide
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The Chad Rager Groove is a featured artist on 
Soul Radio Online The station is focused on Soul, Funk & Jazz from all eras;
both familiar and rare.
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