USA-based duo comprising Bryce Wilson and Amel Larrieux, Groove Theory offered a close reading of old soul and R&B influences, combined with modern production techniques drawn from hip-hop and contemporary urban artists. Wilson’s professional grounding was in hip-hop, having appeared on the 1990 Mantronix hits ‘Got To Have Your Love’ and ‘Take Your Time’ under the alias Bryce Lover. However, frustrated by the lack of creative opportunities that group offered, he left to start teaching himself basic production technique while guesting on projects with Reach and Kenny Thomas. Through a publishing contract with Rondor Music he met songwriter Larrieux, who had attended the same school as Boyz II Men, and Groove Theory were formed in 1993. Wilson’s ex-room-mate Paris Davis was then hired as an A&R executive by Epic Records, and signed the group to the label. As well as contributing to recordings by established R&B acts such as Chanté Moore, Toni Braxton, Chaka Khan and Tracie Spencer, the group embarked on sessions for their debut album. The first release to be taken from it, ‘Tell Me’, reached number 4 in the US Billboard charts and also reached the UK Top 40. Their sole album release featured co-production from Jimmy Henchman and various others. Larrieux later sang with Sweetback before embarking on a solo career.
