Urban Groove Unit

 "I grew up in the blues bars of Chicago," says James Startt, founder of UGU. "And I wanted to bring that same energy to more modern music." 

Although the music of Urban Groove Unit is rooted in the blues, the rythyms are that of soul, funk, hip hop afro beat and reggae, a veritable melting pot of modern music.

But then the band is just that, bringing together musicians from around the world. Tenor Saxophonist Luti DeOliviera,, recorded with Gilberto Gil and Ed Motta in his native Brasil, while trombone player Pierre Chabrele has toured with the likes of reggae master Tiken-Jah Fakoly.

When playing in Paris, the band prefers the peniches of the left bank. "You know we're a big band (nine members) with a big sound and it is increasingly difficult to find spaces in Paris that allow us to play freely because sound restrictions are so tight. But on the boats we can really get down. There is a kind of roadhouse vibe to them."

 A roadhouse in the heart of Paris. You can't beat that. And you can't beat the address either. They are right in the center.

The band plays mostly compositions but every evening spices their two-hour set up with covers ranging from Bill Withers to Gil-Scott Heron, and the Brand New Heavies to Jamoriquoi and Parliament Funkadelic.

The next "Rock the Boat Party" will be this Saturday, May 31 on the Peniche Six/Huit, docked under the shadows of Notre Dame on Quai Montebello (75005 Metro Saint Michel). UGU will share the soirée with Shantadulali starting at 9 p.m. Dinner is available on the upper deck. Entry is 7 Euro.