Legendary Petra bassist (and founding member) John DeGroff have released a new D45 “Screens” The first track ‘Screens’ is featuring John Schlitt‘ & the second track ‘Conversation’ features Greg Houg.
Three ex-Petra members. John DeGroff is the original Petra bassist. The song features original Petra guitarist, Greg Hough and Grammy Award winning Petra vocalist, John Schlitt.
If you were to ask any number of Christian music fans who the most influential and/or best know bands are, the name Petra would no doubt be on every list. Rottweiler Records artist, John DeGroff, was a founding member of Petra. As the band’s original bass guitarist, he played on the first two albums-the self titled “Petra” (1974) and its follow up “Come And Join Us” (1977). After leaving Petra in 1978, DeGroff stayed active musically. He played in several local bands in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area. He also toured nationally with such artists as singer Troy Shondell and has worked with jazz guitarist Denny Jiosa.
DeGroff‘s recording experience didn’t end with Petra. He has played on projects for other Christian singers such as Darrell Sroufe and Mary Lafluer, He is on “Company’s Comin’” by gospel music group Old Fashion Faithful, was part of the jazz/fusion duo Cosmonaut Bob who released “Return To Reality”;, and is part of The Gary Gerrard Group who has released “Ground Zero”. In 2004, DeGroff was approached by fellow ex-Petra members Greg Hough and Bill Glover to join them in the band GHF, which released two projects, “Honestly Live” and “God Has Forgiven Vol. 1”. In 2015, DeGroff released “…demos and other moments…” In 2018, DeGroff released “Salt” [review], which featured Grammy award winning, ex-Petra vocalist John Schlitt on Rottweiler Records.
DeGroff’s new Rottweiler release, entitled “SALT 2: Trophy Hunting For Unicorns”, continues with the prog, jazz, and instrumental formats and adds some blues, rockabilly, and straight up rock and roll to the mix. John DeGroff once again recruited vocalist John Schlitt, but also enlisted the guitar talents of original Petra guitarist, Greg Hough. ‘Three Nails’ is the first single and sees three ex-Petra members joining forces on a classic rock romp akin to ’70’s juggernauts Kansas, Yes, Genesis, and King Crimson.
Not metal, but definitely cool. Nice to shake it up once in a while, right?
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