Jazz and funk are genres that have always been creatively and commercially more viable in the southern half of the country. It has a lot to do with general predominance of the similar strains of ethnic arts – like Hindustani and Carnatic – in the suburbia, which identifies with the esthetes of open jam improvisations. In Chennai – and in most cases, these skills are characterized by Groove #3, the city’s most effective new jazz combine. They began in January 2010 with Naveen Samson on the lead guitars, David Joseph on the drums, and Divyan Ahimaz on the bass. Divyan got replaced by Napier Naveen Kumar, and the band further led to a reinforced lineup with arrival of eclectic percussionist Allwyn Jeya Paul and keyboardist Leon James. The famous Bollywood singer, Benny Dayal, joined the band in 2011. Since then the band has toured and played extensively in music festivals and renowned venues across the country. Members: Benny Dayal as vocals/percussions Naveen Samson as lead guitarist David Joseph as Drummer Allwyn Paul as Percussionist Napier Naveen as Bass Guitarist Leon James as keyboardist