Known for their soulful, earthy approach to smooth jazz, Groovexpress is a collaborative outfit led by guitarist Mykeljon Winckel. The group initially broke through with 2014's Ukrainian Doll before landing at number one on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums chart with 2018's Amsterdaam. Hailing from Los Angeles, Groovexpress is the concept of guitarist/vocalist Mykeljon. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Mykeljon first honed his skills at the Queensland Conservatorium in Brisbane, Australia where he graduated with a Degree in Music Technology and an Associate Diploma in Jazz. He then spent over a decade managing his own production studio before relocating to Los Angeles in the late '90s. Along with his live and studio work with artists like Andy Suzuki, John Ferraro, and Michito Sanchez, he has focused on his own solo projects, including issuing his debut album, World Stood Still, in 2012. Looking to put together a group of like-minded artists, Winckel formed Groovexpress in 2010. The line-up has changed slightly over the years, featuring at various times keyboardist/pianist Ernest Semu, harmonica player Derek "Haggis" Maguiness, organist Anthony Hunt, saxophonist Robert Kyle, trumpeter Chris Tedesco, trombonist Jim McMillen, bassist Trinidad Sanchez, bassist Nic Haslip, percussionist Isaac Sanchez, and others. In 2014, they released their debut album, Ukrainian Doll. A concert album, Live at G.V.R., followed two years later. In 2018, they returned with their third full-length, Amsterdaam, which featured the song "Geraldine." The album landed on top of the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. ~ Matt Collar