A NEO JAZZ FUSION PROJECT GROUNDED IN EXPERIENCE AND
MUSICIANSHIP, WITH A FOCUS ON MODERN EXPRESSION AND INNOVATION.

Started by two of Philadelphia’s premiere instrumentalists, Modern Groove Authority are championing the new wave of modern contemporary jazz music. The moving instrumentals are played flawlessly throughout their songs, leaving you appreciating the individual display of talent. Led by drummer Tracy Nelson and bassist Colin Fequa, Modern Groove Authority are pioneers in the renaissance of modern contemporary Jazz. They have crafted a unique lane in Jazz that is true to its roots, yet experiments with modern sounds.

THE TRACY NELSON AND COLIN FEQUA STORY

One of the most meaningful musical relationships in Tracy’s life began by chance. Tracy and Colin met when Colin was leaving a music lesson with a mutual friend, carrying his bass. Tracy saw him walking by and asked if he was a musician. Colin said yes. Tracy replied that he was too — and in that simple moment, a 30-year musical brotherhood began.

The two bonded instantly over their shared obsession with jazz fusion — especially Stanley Clarke’s “Lopsy Lu,” Return to Forever, and a long list of groundbreaking fusion artists. Together, they dove into the deep end of complex rhythms, harmonies, and musical exploration.

For the past 25–30 years, Tracy and Colin played together on and off — wedding bands, club gigs, session work, fusion groups — always reconnecting through their shared love of music.

Now, after decades of collaboration, they have reunited with a new purpose:

A neo jazz fusion project grounded in experience and musicianship,
with a focus on modern expression and innovation.

ABOUT tracy

Tracy Nelson was immersed in music from the very beginning. His father, Nathaniel Nelson, was the lead singer of The Flamingos and The Platters, two of the most iconic vocal groups in American music history. A gifted singer, songwriter, drummer, xylophonist, and saxophonist, Nathaniel’s influence remained a guiding force even after his passing in 1985.

Tracy’s parents separated when he was just one year old, but music found him almost immediately. At two years old, Tracy began playing drums on boxes and telephone books under the guidance of his uncle Larry Riley. By ten, he owned his first drum set; by twelve, he was performing in local bands, absorbing the intensity of Philadelphia’s legendary music scene.

Growing up in Philly during the 70s and 80s, Tracy was shaped by a culture where musicianship was everything. Competition was fierce, talent was mandatory, and the environment was as raw as the old west—if you couldn’t play, you got embarrassed. It was here that Tracy sharpened his skills as a musician, songwriter, and producer, forming the foundation of a lifelong career.

Throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s, Tracy played in a multitude of bands and toured the United States and abroad with artists such as: Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, The Hawkins Family, Nicolas, The Winans and many others.

In 1989, Tracy began his journey into music production and quickly became known for his emotional depth, musicality, and genre-blending creativity. His production and writing credits include work with: The Youngsters (Somethin’ Fo’ Da Youngsters), The Dells (40th Anniversary Album), Britney Spears, Silk, Aaron Hall, Phyllis Hyman, Harold Melvin, 702, Teddy Riley, Joe Stone Street, Glenn Jones, Glenn Lewis, Tricky, Big Bub, Apache Indian, Chauncey (Blackstreet), Poo Bear, Hot Runner, Carl Thomas, Rell, Gina Thompson and many more.

ABOUT COLIN

Colin Fequa is a Philadelphia-born bassist, composer, and producer whose unmistakable passion for music drives every performance. For more than twenty years, he has been one of the region’s most in-demand musicians, known for his tone, versatility, and deep musical intuition.

He is one half of Modern Groove Authority, the songwriting and production partnership he formed with childhood friend Tracey Nelson. Together, they collaborate with an exceptional lineup of musicians from across the country. Their creative chemistry and seamless workflow make them a standout team in today’s smooth jazz landscape.

Colin’s career spans an impressive range of musical experiences. From early work with the world’s first hip-hop magazine (“Hip Hop Magazine”), to collaborations with his niece, the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, he has played a key role in supporting and developing emerging Philadelphia artists while continuing to evolve his own sound.

A lifelong musician, Colin began on cornet before studying contrabass and piano at the renowned Settlement School of Music, where he met legendary bassists Stanley Clarke and Alphonso Johnson. Inspired, he picked up the electric bass and never looked back. Immersed in Philadelphia’s rich musical tradition, he learned from and performed with artists such as Kevin Eubanks, Gerald Veasley, Monnette Sudler, and lifelong buddy Dr. Charles Kelly, shaping his path as a multi-instrumentalist and writer.

In 1990, Colin founded Eastside Productions, a production and artist development company dedicated to nurturing local talent. He is endorsed by U.S. Guitar Masters and Eden Electronics.

VIDEOS

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