The pandemic changed me. Suddenly, so many things that used to matter don’t. I realize that aside from family and friends, there is only one proper focus for this burning drive I’ve always felt: writing, recording, and performing my own music.

So for the last 1½ years, I have pursued music full time. I took pity on my neighbors and found a space at Secret Studios, a fabled professional rehearsal facility in San Francisco, to rehearse for several hours a day, 5 days a week. I recorded a new album in a matter of months, which took more than 2 years to accomplish when I worked outside music. I am writing harder, deeper songs, telling my producer, Kenny Schick, that the gloves have come off.

Most of all, I believe I found my center as a musical artist. With the pandemic easing, I longed to find and recruit a rhythm section of excellent, focused, hard-working musicians who, most importantly, are people I want to spend time with. I believe I have found them in Kevin & Yuri.

These two are amazing. Yuri has a rhythmic pocket and a personal style that many only dream about. Kevin has a deep musicality and holds down the low end like a boss. Most importantly, both have a sense of humor that finds all three of us laughing and grinning like idiots when we play together. And they have CHOPS. Read more about them here.

I can’t wait for you to hear what we’re doing together. You’re going to love it.

Please come to The MGP Band’s debut at The Monkey House in Berkeley on December 10, 2022. It’s a split bill with my friend Gregg Curry from Seattle, and Kevin & Yuri will be backing him up as well. Seating is limited, so please reserve immediately by emailing ira@themonkeyhouse.org. Details at marthagrovesperry.com/shows.

And thanks for saying yes, Yuri & Kevin!