Has it really been 11 years since Euge Groove took his place in center stage and released his first album?  I remember when he was the new kid on the block.   Now, he’s just released his 7th album, S7ven Large, and he’s on tour this summer to spread the gospel of Euge.  I had been listening to S7ven Large for weeks; listening to it and loving it, so I was anxious to hear the new music live.

Euge did not disappoint.  He and his band received an enthusiastic welcome when they took to the stage.  The band opened with the first two songs on the new CD, “Track 01,” and “The Funky Bunch.”  Euge dubbed his band; Daryl Williams on bass, Phil Beal on drums, Ross Bolton on guitar, and Tracy Carter on keys, the funky bunch as well.

Having seven CD’s to pull music from gave Euge the opportunity to play some of his earlier hits as well; all audience favorites judging by the crowd’s reactions: “Livin’ Large,” “Sneak a Peak,” “Slam Dunk” and “Chillaxin’” all had the hands clapping, the heads bobbing, and the feet tapping.

At one point, Euge and the band broke into a sultry, sexy rendition of “Just My Imagination.”  He asked everyone to stand up and kiss the person to your right.  He then worked left the stage and worked the crowd, transitioning into “the one song that always gets the job done,” Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.”  
 
“Prayer 4 Peace” has become one of my favorite songs on this new album, and I’m pleased that he included it in the set list.  It’s a great song, and that night, he dedicated it to our troops.  Next up was more Euge... “Sunday Morning,” and “XXL.”  Guitarist Ross Bolton was featured as he and Euge went back and forth trading riffs.  Of course, the show would not be complete without the “badonkadonk” contest, where women in the audience are encouraged to compete by dancing.  The winner, as judged by the band, gets a prize. Tonight’s prize was a free DVD.

The classic “Europa”, composed by Carlos Santana, and made famous by Gato Barbieri followed, then transitioned into “Rewind” and “Born 2 Groove.”  Euge was really giving his all and the crowd loved it.  When you get the crowd going like that, it encourages the musicians; it makes the whole experience better for everyone involved, the band and the audience.

Euge went back to his Tower of Power (TOP) days and broke out the classic “What is Hip?” He and the band left the stage to a thunderous standing ovation.  We did not want the show to end.  After a few minutes, they came back for their encore, the title track “S7ven Large.”  As is customary at the Birchmere, the artist came out to sign CD’s and say hi to his fans.  It was a great night and a great concert.