East Lansing’s newest and most unexpected musical powerhouse has officially arrived. Today, May 23, 2025, the talented trio Groove Doctors 3 (GD3) releases their much-anticipated debut album Live and Let Live, a genre-blending tour de force that combines electrifying covers with heartfelt originals. Formed in 2023, GD3 has quickly built a buzz across the Midwest thanks to their infectious energy, tight musicianship, and compelling story: they’re not only bandmates—they’re professors.
That’s right. Michael Lawrence (guitar and vocals), David Stowe (drums), and Glenn Chambers (bass) are respected Michigan State University professors by day—of law, religious studies, and history, respectively—and rockers by night. This unique dynamic enriches every note they play, offering a blend of seasoned perspective, intellectual depth, and pure musical joy.
Signed to indie label Maintain Zen Music, GD3 has crafted a debut that lives up to their promise. Live and Let Live isn’t just an album—it’s a celebration of friendship, groove, and the enduring power of music. Recorded with a commitment to preserving their live vibe, the album pulses with the same energy that’s captivated their growing fan base.
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The 15-track record features seven original songs (tracks 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 14, and 15) and eight soul-drenched covers that pay homage to musical greats while showcasing the band’s unique reinterpretations. The opening track, a bold and radiant take on Bobby Hebb’s 1966 classic “Sunny,” immediately sets the tone with its vibrant guitar work and rich vocal delivery. It’s a bold choice, and it lands perfectly—proof that GD3 doesn’t shy away from high bars.
From there, the band rolls into their first original, the bluesy and addictive “Behold The Duke,” a track that captures their essence—foot-stomping rhythm, masterful arrangement, and pure musical chemistry. The band’s tight interplay is evident throughout the album, whether grooving through Al Green’s timeless “Take Me to the River” or pouring heart and soul into originals like the title track “Live and Let Live,” the moving “Ash to Dust,” and the empowering anthem “Love Is The Way.”
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One of the most memorable moments comes with “Nothing At All,” a stripped-down piano and voice ballad that highlights the trio’s emotional range. A full-band remix of the song closes the album, offering a layered, lush version that rounds out the journey with style and depth. As a whole, Live and Let Live is a triumph—a rare debut that feels both fresh and timeless. It’s a reflection of who GD3 are as artists and people: thoughtful, passionate, and utterly committed to the craft. Offstage, Lawrence is also a private pilot, Chambers serves as Interim Dean of the Honors College, and Stowe continues to explore music’s cultural relevance in his academic work. These are lives well-lived, and it shows in every note.
With Live and Let Live, Groove Doctors 3 offer the world an album brimming with groove, heart, and purpose. Whether you’re dancing, reflecting, or simply enjoying the ride, this is a record that delivers.
Check the links below, discover more about Groove Doctors 3 and their music, and remember to add their songs to your favorite playlists!
