A serving of Pasta Groove

Paolo Garcia aka Pasta Groove still remembers how it all began.

“I was into rap music when my lolo passed away in 1999. He left us this vinyl collection from which I discovered the works of several MCs. It was like tasting old wine,” he said.

Paolo was so taken by the sophistication of the music he had just discovered then that he developed what he calls his “vinyl fixation.”

“I started shopping for vinyl in various local haunts. My collection today is not as large as those of people like Toti (Dalmacion, head of Terno Recordings), but it’s big enough to embark on this wonderful musical journey.”

And to give birth to Pasta Groove. According to Paolo, the name came from Allen Umali (formerly of Third World Project and Sino Sikat, and now with Chillitees) who called him ‘Pastor Groove.’

“He said it’s because of my ‘sermons’ and ‘monologues’ on soul music. I eventually changed the name to Pasta Groove to put more spin to it.”

Nowadays, Pastor Groove is popular in the live circuit scene for his out-of-this-world sets which contain the most important, the most obscure, and the most futuristic soul food.

He recently released his album “The Distinktive Sounds of Pasta Groove” which has gotten the nods of local critics. The album has a music video for one of its tracks, “Give Bearth” that was recorded with Armi Millare of Up Dharma Down.

“'Distinktive’ is more of a producer’s album. I recorded the tracks with friends and musicians whom I respect most.”

Some of these are Picoy of Beatbox Philippines, AMPON, J-Hoon Balbuena (formerly of Kjwan), Camoi Miraflor of Pinoy Stories, and Johnny Alegre.

The “Distinktive Sounds of Pasta Groove” is a groovy and soulful musical journey; a mix of the classic soul vibe using modern technology and beats.

It is Filipino soul music that pays respect to the beginnings of the genre while still sounding new.

Asked which track in the album captures his aspirations as a DJ-producer, Pastor Groove cited “Lagkit.”

“It has this sticky groove that is out of this world while still retaining that human element.”

Paola Garcia aka Pasta Groove is the son of Dennis Garcia of famed 70s rock n’ roll band, Hotdog.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/211934/a-serving-pasta-groove