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Mama SpanX STATE OF GROOVE Press Release
Mama SpanX (PRONOUNCED "SPANKS" as in "Mama spanks us!") debut release "STATE OF GROOVE" 2017
Inspired by many years of performing with top musicians, singer, songwriter, bandleader and New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee, Nikki Armstrong put together some of her favorite musicians from both the East & West Coast’s R&B, Rock & Jazz scenes to form the band Mama SpanX. The name came from legendary soul-jazz guitarist Melvin Sparks whom Nikki collaborated with for several years until his passing in 2011. Working with Melvin's groove on stage and in the studio, growing up in the East Bay following bands such as Tower of Power, Cold Blood, Sly & the Family Stone and dancing to the likes of Ike & Tina and especially James Brown from the age of 10, Nikki, also a professional dancer and actress, has finally put it altogether in one complete package.

Known for her diverse songwriting, unique voice, dynamic stage performance and her ability to build a “smokin'” band, Mama SpanX is; Nikki plus the "Spankers", six virtuoso musicians, all versed in the genres with many years of professional experience. The 12 Track "old school" ANALOG recording of "State of Groove", the band's first release, is all live instruments except for one percussion loop on! The material ranges from R&B to Rock to Funk and crossover Pop with some really fun pieces, such as "Let's Roll (Get Your Mama SpanX On)", also a line-dance/work out video, and "Alligator Boogaloo", based on the 1967 Lou Donaldson Soul Jazz hit, with additional music and lyrics about being in love with an alligator. Other tunes are reminiscent of early Soul and R &B hits from artists such as Aretha, Marvin Gaye, Sly and TOP.

“State of Groove”, the last track, is also the mission statement of Mama SpanX. It is about the love of creating the groove as a band, each artist having their own unique voice yet at the same time contributing and supporting each other to create a new "state" of excitement that is experienced by the group, and by the audience, SPANKING everyone out of the monotonousness of traffic, TV and the negative effects of the insanity going on in the world.

So, put down that remote, the cell phone, get off the screens! Get into the GROOVE and get ready to laugh and dance your butt off with Mama SpanX and STATE of GROOVE!
(For band Bios:Visit Mama SpanX!