Groovy Judy

Judy Gascoyne is one gutsy musician. She defies San Francisco’s shabby-cool fashionistas by wearing glittery psychedelic clothes, refers to herself as “Jimi’s Sister” in one of her songs (a whimsical, but deadly move), and further risks hipster derision with the stage name “Groovy Judy.”

“I thank my mom for any courage I have,” says Gascoyne. “She inspired me by saying, ‘Play the guitar like a guy,’ so that’s what I do, and that’s where my fearlessness comes from.” Gascoyne’s band—which includes husband/ drummer, Pete—performs original music and covers rooted in the ’60s and ’70s, and she also gives back to the community as a guitar teacher. “Groovy Judy’s” passion for the music of the Summer of Love era started when she heard Jimi Hendrix’s “Castles Made of Sand,” and immediately knew she wanted to play guitar like him someday.

“I’m influenced by psychedelic artists, but ‘Groovy’ also stands for groovin’ music,” says Gascoyne, who still calls Hendrix her “main man.” “I love the ’60s because of the explosion of creativity. Fashion was outrageous, songs were rocking and trippy, and much of the music focused on peace, love, and brotherhood. I never get tired of that message.”

With hard-fought experience gained through hundreds of club gigs, Gascoyne has developed a few methods for engaging aloof or disinterested listeners.

“Great songs and great players equal a great show,” she says, “but it also helps if you can tell when the audience is moved and when they’re not. If I sense something isn’t working, I quickly change gears to draw the crowd back in. My favorite technique is going out into the audience while I’m soloing. People love that!”

Gascoyne also has an interesting take on the enduring “girl guitarist” hullabaloo: “I often get the comment, ‘I don’t mean to be sexist, but you play pretty good for a girl.’ I take it as a compliment. As long as people are digging what I do, I don’t care how they say it.” - Guitar Player Magazine "Now Hear This"

Judy,

I just had to tell you that the lyrics for "Hey Dad" are awesome; you really
nailed it.

(I used the link you gave me to your Web site and took a look.)

For what it's worth: I think all too often we forget to say to the people
most important what we're thinking about them.... I hope your song succeeds
in reminding folks to "just say it!"

Have fun!
Mike Taylor
Calaveras Enterprise - Calaveras Enterprise

By Caroline Rohrig, September, 11, 2011
Groovy Judy brings back her fantastic Jimi Hendrix show with passion and enthusiasm reminiscent of artists of an older era to The Newark Days Festival, Saturday, September 17.

Groovy Judy lives up to her name. Groovy is what she is and groovy is what she does. This guitar slinging, fun loving entertainer pays tribute to her mentor, Jimi Hendrix in her songs and music and she puts just as much passion and energy in to it as Jimi did. In fact, Judy's lively personality, colorful dress and dedication to fun and the enjoyment of life influence her entire repertoire. Known for her glittery top hats and jackets, Groovy Judy brings forth her dominating style with the energy and enthusiasm reminiscent of artists of an older era.

Come and hear Groovy Judy on Saturday, September 17 from 3:30pm - 4:30pm on The Musical Fantasia Stage in Area #10.
- Bay Area News Group

"You did a good job I like it you are so groovy!" Skylar, 10 years old

"Wow - I told you that your music was inspirational but when I saw the titles of your songs later that day and played the CD I then knew how on the same wavelength we are. Your CD makes the chart on my top DID (desert island disks) and I know it's almost sacrilegious to say this but it gets packed before ElectricLadyLand." Jim

"You've gotten better, and you were good to start with! I couldn't believe it had been a whole year since I'd had my groove thang charged up by hearing you. You're the best." Ken

- Fans of Groovy Judy

Groovy Judy, "Groovy Judy" (Hey Judy Productions)

Groovy Judy, the young songstress from San Francisco, falls somewhere in between Grace Slick and Grace Jones.

She wrote seven of the eight tracks on her self-titled debut "Groovy Judy," and has instrumental help from drummer Dave Hayden, saxophonist Rick Yamashiro, Don Bosco on organ and several others.

Relying on Jimi Hendrix-era guitar riffs with strong bass lines and drums, Judy takes us back to the Haight-Ashbury heyday, but with a modern twist of funk.

Judy preaches love and peace in tracks like "Forgive," "Peace & Love," and "Hey Dad," and even a little religion in "Heaven" and "I Need Your Help Jesus." But Judy isn't a Jesus freak. She instead sings about salvation and freedom, and in one song calls heaven "a big flea market." The rock music is exceptional and the album's worth a groovy spin. For information, visit www.groovyjudy.com.

-- Sandy Staggs, staff writer
- San Mateo Times

Judy’s latest release is energetic with good guitar leads, steady drums and tasteful horns and keys. Its upbeat message is sure to please. - Laura T. Lynch of Kweevak.com - Kweevak.com