About the Band
Groove Therapy is the premier contemporary jazz ensemble groovin’ across Sacramento, California! Consisting of saxophone, keyboard, guitar, bass, and drums, our ensemble is comprised of talented musicians who are dedicated to their craft. For more about the ensemble, read on!
Meet the Artists
Manuel Luz - Keyboards
Piano-driven, jazz-influenced, and lyrically-evocative—Manuel Luz has released five albums of original music over 20 years, from his 2001 debut, A Bridge Called Surrender, to his latest effort, A Different Kind of Love Song, in 2022. Manuel performs: as a solo pianist/vocalist; with the Manuel Luz Trio (ML3); with the duo Waiting For Sunday;.and with the jazz fusion group, Groove Therapy. He has also produced, arranged, performed, and/or written for scores of independent music albums over the last few decades, including albums for Christian icons, Bob Kilpatrick and Randy Stonehill. You can order his music through all streaming services and online stores. He is also a published author and the inventor of the award-winning musical instrument, the WalkaBout Drum™.
Matt Sawhill - Bass
I fell in love with bass the first time I played it 40+ years ago. Music has always had a huge impact on me. Being self taught I developed skills through listening and playing along with recorded music. Most of my bass heroes have always session bassists, they truly know how to elevate whatever piece of music they’re involved in. So I’ve tried to be that type of player. It continues to be a blessing to serve the players and listeners around me. Bass is subtle yet powerful, the glue that holds it all together.
Mark Wheeler - Alto Sax
Music has always been a part of Mark’s life. He played saxophone through elementary and high school, then studied as a classical saxophonist. It wasn’t until his later years of college that jazz, R & B, pop and blues began to take hold. Since then, he has played in countries ranging from Ireland to Cuba to China and many others in between. Mark has recorded, produced and arranged for orchestra and studio projects, but is happiest inside a small combo on the backside of a deep groove.
Steve Brainard - Guitar
Steve started playing bass and guitar in bands during high school and went on to earn a BA in Music/Audio Engineering. He has played regularly in worship bands, the latest of which is Bayside Folsom, and other musical settings throughout the years, including a Rush cover band. A few of his many musical influences include Phil Keaggy, Eric Johnson, Victor Wooton, Yellowjackets, Spyro Gyra, Acoustic Alchemy, Steely Dan, John Mayer, Sting, and Robben Ford. After decades in the software industry, Steve and his wife Krissy currently own and operate a thriving music school and recording facility in Folsom called “Music Lab”, where 250 students come weekly to receive the gift of music from 15 talented instructors.
Kevin Quaintance - Drums/Band Manager
