New York City's Groove Collective transcends musical categories with one go… Read Full Bio ↴New York City's Groove Collective transcends musical categories with one goal in mind: to move listeners' minds and feet. For more than a decade, this legendary group of musicians has improvised and refined the stylistic crosspollination of funk, jazz, house, Latin, hip hop, rock and every party-inducing sound in between. The pioneering members of Groove Collective are fluent in the international language of "groove." In-the-pocket drum and bass, colorful and vibrant horns, flavors of world percussion and intricate harmony all fuse together seamlessly under their watch. Groove Collective's innovative and refined sound is unparalleled. They are the masters of multi-hued funk. Billboard Magazine says that they "erase musical borders" and are "jazz/funk fusion at its most sublime."

When asked to describe the band, one member responded:

"Part social experiment, part musical experience; We've tried democracy, communism, capitalism, dorian, chromatic, mixolydian, starvation diets, sleep depravation, meditation, mediation, co-op, cooped up, disco-ambient-futura-trance-jungle-drum and bass-trip hop-hip-acid-transistor-funk-rock-psychedelic-silicon-hard bop-big beat-tube-electronic-live-dub-salsa-mambo combo with a twist... and you know, I think it might be the next big thing!"

Groove Collective's impressive history began in the early 1990's as they fueled the growth of New York City's acid-jazz scene. They quickly became a staple of a budding underground club scene known for pairing DJs with live performers. This groundbreaking enterprise was run under the media and event production mogul that would eventually become Giant Step. Groove Collective crafted and popularized the fusion of jazz and funk, pioneering what is now referred to globally as "groove" music. Jon Pareles of The New York Times says, "Groove Collective's identity lies not in one fixed style, but in its capable hospitality to whatever might keep hips swaying."

Through the years they have remained faithful to the "collective" spirit their name suggests, featuring a rotating cast of talented players. Their current six-piece incarnation features five original members. Groove Collective is: Jay Rodriquez (saxophones, flutes, bass clarinet), Genji Siraisi (drums, programming, vocals), Fabio Morgera, (trumpet, flugelhorn, effects), Chris "Ifátóyè" Theberge, (congas, bata drums, percussion), Barney McAll, (Fender Rhodes, synthesizers, piano), Jonathan Maron (bass)

Hear My Dear
Groove Collective Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Martha, my dear
Though I spend my days in conversation, please
Remember me
Martha, my love
Don't forget me
Martha, my dear

Hold your head up, you silly girl

Look what you've done
When you find yourself in the thick of it
Help yourself to a bit of what is all around you
Silly girl

Take a good look around you
Take a good look you're bound to see
That you and me were meant to be
With each other
Silly girl

Hold you're hand out, you silly girl
See what you've done
When you find yourself in the thick of it
Help yourself to a bit of what is all around you
Silly girl

Martha, my dear
You have always been my inspiration
Please, be good to me
Martha, my love

Don't forget me
Martha, my dear.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Groove Collective's song "Hear My Dear" are a heartfelt expression of love and longing directed towards an individual named Martha. The repetition of "Martha, my dear" throughout the song emphasizes the importance of this person in the singer's life. The plea for Martha to remember and not forget the singer conveys a sense of deep emotional connection and attachment.

The lyrics also speak to a sense of regret or self-reflection, as the singer acknowledges spending their days in conversation but still feels the need to remind Martha of their love and presence. The references to being in the "thick of it" and the advice to "help yourself to a bit of what is all around you" suggest a desire for Martha to find comfort and solace in their surroundings, even in challenging times.

The repeated phrase "silly girl" may carry a tone of affection or endearment, indicating a playful dynamic between the singer and Martha. There is a sense of gentle admonition or encouragement in these words, as if the singer is coaxing Martha to see things clearly and take care of herself.

The closing lines of the song express gratitude and admiration towards Martha, describing her as an inspiration to the singer. The plea for Martha to be good and not forget the singer underscores the depth of their feelings and the hope for continued connection and love. Overall, "Hear My Dear" conveys a mixture of vulnerability, love, and longing, painting a poignant portrait of a relationship filled with emotion and significance.

Line by Line Meaning

Martha, my dear
My beloved Martha

Though I spend my days in conversation, please
Even though I may be occupied with other things, remember me

Remember me
Keep me in your thoughts

Martha, my love
My affectionate Martha

Don't forget me
Please do not erase me from your memory

Hold your head up, you silly girl
Stay confident, despite any mistakes made

Look what you've done
Reflect on your actions

When you find yourself in the thick of it
During challenging times

Help yourself to a bit of what is all around you
Take advantage of the opportunities around you

Silly girl
Affectionate term for a woman

Take a good look around you
Observe your surroundings