“…layer upon layer of aural sensations (part acoustic, part electronic) just waiting to be discovered and savored… With nods to songwriting heroes and legends like Tom Petty, Lucinda Williams, Stevie Nicks, and Patty Griffin, as well as contemporaries like Adele, Beck, and Jack White, essence remains very much her own artist. …a singer, who, like Madonna, isn’t afraid to take musical chances.” – Michael Paoletta, Billboard Magazine

A sixth-generation San Francisco native, award winning singer-songwriter essence has been immersed in art and music since childhood. And yes, her birth name really is ‘essence’ – she was raised by quintessential flower children, her parents being two free spirited bohemian artists from the Haight-Ashbury ‘Summer of Love.’

Since winning the Grand Prize in the National Lilith Fair Talent Search in 1998, essence has been signed to RCA Records, Way Cool/MCA Records, and Or Music (Los Lonely Boys, Matisyahu). She debuted with the successful indie release Conception, which garnered much Bay Area radio airplay and press and established a devoted fan base. essence’s sophomore release was the critically acclaimed Mariposa, an album she toured nationally in support of, opening shows for artists Jason Mraz and Shawn Colvin. In 2009, essence released Feels Like the Future, and subsequently won the Grand Prize for the Great American Song Contest, and 2nd Place in the International Songwriting Contest, out of 15,000 entries.

Her songs have been prominently featured on Nash Bridges, Lifetime’s The Division, Access Hollywood, and NPR’s Art of the Song. “Shape of You,” an emotional song about loss and healing, was the theme song in the film Motherland, which won the SXSW Audience Choice Award in 2009. essence has opened for Tom Petty, Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant, Chrissie Hynde, Steve Miller, Pat Benetar, and Linda Perry. She has played at venues ranging from NYC’s Bowery Ballroom to San Francisco’s Fillmore and The Warfield, LA’s Rose Bowl, and Philadelphia’s World Cafe Live.

In addition to writing folk/americana, pop, and rock songs, essence expanded her repertoire by creating a collection of charming, catchy tunes inspired by her son that turned out to have a life of their own becoming favorites of families nationwide, loved equally by parents and children alike. Her latest album, A Dog Named Moo, was entirely funded by loyal fans on Kickstarter and was picked up and released by My Kazoo/ Universal Music. A Dog Named Moo is a multi-media project featuring a collection of 13 songs, a “T REXXXX” book, a smartphone app, and several music videos. essence is developing an educational curriculum based on the project. A Dog Named Moo was voted Top Kids Album of the Year by Daily Candy.

essence is currently creating not one, but two new records in tandem. The first is an acoustic record (not for the kiddies) which spotlights her most raw, soulful, and truth-telling songs to date. The second album in the pipeline is a sequel children’s album, this time inspired by her daughter, that will serve as a bookend to A Dog Named Moo.

For essence, music is much more than creative expression – it’s a spiritual path. “Music is life force – and tapping into that energy makes me feel completely alive.”

www.essencemusic.com

As an independent artist/songwriter Luke Cunningham has spent years on the road touring alongside such nationally-renowned acts as The Fray, Avett Brothers, Donovan Frankenreiter, Pat Benatar and countless others. Yet it would ultimately be the release of the songwriter's debut solo album Heart Pressure (2012) that first forced music fans and critics alike to sit up and take notice. 

Hailed by press as “a triumph fraught with emotion” and “a welcomed reminder of what songwriters used to be” the response to Heart Pressure and its ten story-driven songs were a swift and sweet sucker punch to the Carolina music scene; an artfully-crafted wake up call announcing both Cunningham’s arrival as an artist and a writer with something to say.

By year’s end, two songs from Heart Pressure (For The Best and Songs About California) were in permanent radio rotation throughout the Carolinas, despite having neither label support nor paid radio campaigns to support them.The latter of the two tunes—a duet performed with Cary Ann Hearst of the Americana Award-Winning act Shovels & Rope—would go on to become a top-requested song on Charleston SC’s 105.5FM The Bridge and the album named one of the ‘Top Five Albums of The Year’ by Charleston Scene Magazine.

Cunningham’s commitment to his craft didn’t go unnoticed either. 

Profiled in national publications such as American Songwriter Magazine and nominated ‘Songwriter of The Year’ by Charleston City Paper, he was also hand-picked the by ASCAP (American Society of Authors and Composers) to be one of just 14 nationally-selected songwriters for their prestigious Lester Sills Songwriters Workshop in Los Angeles. The experience would lead to multiple soundtrack and film placement opportunities for the South Carolina songsmith as well as the formation of his own self-ran/administrated music publishing company.

In 2016 Cunningham answered battle cries for a follow up to Heart Pressure by entering the studio and recording his latest EP Kentucky. Released in October, the six-song collection draws deep from the wells of bygone country while retaining a familiar taste of modern tones, anthemic choruses and the kind of addictively-catchy hooks Cunningham has come to be known for. 

Tipping its hat to the musical influences he grew up around in the rural tobacco fields of the Bluegrass State, the stories themselves—as well as Cunningham’s ability to spin a good yarn—leave the listener personally-invested in each tale that unfolds. The result is a sonically-masterful tightrope, traversing the genres of country, rock and Americana with grace and grit; proof that—in modern country music—one mustn’t always abandon ‘substance’ for the sake of ‘style.’

Today Luke Cunningham resides in Nashville TN where he currently works as an independent commercial songwriter. Cowriting with up-and-coming country acts, collaborating with new artists and working alongside music supervisors and producers for various TV/film projects, he continues to occasionally tour and is a regular at writers-in-the-round events and venues throughout Nashville.

Cunningham’s latest EP Kentucky is now available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and other online music retail stores.

For more info, news, music and tour dates visit:
www.lukecunninghammusic.com

The man known as U-Nam, is destined to become one of the most controversial musicians.In the few recordings that I have heard, there is a conviction towards making himself felt by the general public, and the critics alike.  It’s great to have a new voice on the guitar scene; one that is loaded with energy and excitement.” -Ten time Grammy Award recipient, NAE Jazz Master and Guitar legend- -George Benson-

Born and raised in Paris / France, U-Nam began playing the guitar at age 12, and studied for three years at the Paris-based CIM – the first European school for jazz – between 1986 and 1989. At age 19 he turned professional, becoming a fixture at Paris studio sessions.

Well known throughout Europe and the US as a musical trendsetter and innovative player in Instrumental Music, Soul, and R&B, Emmanuel “U-Nam” Abiteboul has more than earned his reputation as a virtuosic guitarist and producer.  Since his move to the US from Paris, France in 2007, Guitarist U-Nam has had the opportunity to perform, record and produce several of the top artists in the Smooth Jazz, R&B, and Soul genres.  He has traveled throughout the US at events and Festivals including the Catalina JazzTrax Festival, Jazz on the Green, the JazzTrax Big Bear Festival, the Dave Koz and Friends Cruise et al. His performances extend outside of the US, he performed as one of the headline acts at the Dubai Jazz Festival in February 2010.

Originally a renowned producer, U-Nam has worked with a number of International Artists including Barry White, Kool & the Gang, Honeyz, Louis Fonsi, and MC-Solaar, earning him several Gold and Multi-Platinum records. In 2007, he established himself as a prominent solo artist with the release his sophomore album, “Back from the 80s” which included the #1 hit “Street Life”. “Street Life” stayed in the Top Three on the US Billboard Charts for three months and the Top Ten charts for an entire year.

In 2008, U-Nam signed with the prestigious guitar manufacturer, Ibanez. In their 2009 product catalog, he was honored with a double page feature alongside legendary guitarists George Benson, Pat Metheny, and John Scofield. He has since been featured in the 2010, 2011 and 2012 catalogs.

U-Nam has five album releases as a solo artist. “The Past Builds the Future” (2005) was #2 on SolarRadio UK (the largest soul radio station in the UK). The album had significant radio airplay in Europe and made it into the Top 47 on the US charts.  “Back from the 80s” (2007) was the number one album of the year on Jazz FM, Steve Quirk’s Fusion Flavours, as well as a #1 on the US Billboard Charts. “Unanimity” (2009) has reached the Top 30 on the US Billboard charts with his hit single “Shine On”.

In recent years, he also released “The Early Tapes” and “The Best of.” His latest album “Weekend In L.A” ( A Tribute To George Benson ) will be released on August 29th 2012. U-Nam also hosted a successful jazz series entitled the “One-Soul Jazz Series” at the Cellar in Long Beach, California. The series has included popular Smooth Jazz Musicians such as Gregg Karukas, Michael Paulo, Tom Braxton, Kim Waters, Gail Jhonson, and Greg Adams.  He was also considered for the 2009 Grammy’s in three categories including Best Improvised Solo and Best Pop Instrumental Song. In recent months, following the newly signed record deals with Village Again Japan and SkyTown Records USA, U-Nam has taken on the ambitious project of creating a George Benson Tribute, acknowledged as no small task by those familiar with the Legend’s music. But according to GB himself, U-Nam is surely qualified for this undertaking. 

This album includes a MEGA ALL-STAR line up of artists and musicians including many of the talented performers that appeared on George Benson’s historic albums. Some of the artists on the album include but are not limited to: George Duke, Marcus Miller, Stokley Williams (Mint Condition), Phil Perry, Patrice Rushen, Paul Jackson Jr, Ronnie Foster, Andreas Oberg, Tim “TiO” Owens, Wah Wah Watson, Michael White, Dio Saucedo, and many more.

Within less than two weeks following its release, the album has already reached #1 on iTunes Japan for Jazz, #1 on Amazon US for Neo-Soul, and #1 on Amazon US for Smooth Jazz. It also has 10 entries in 6 categories for Grammy consideration. It has additionally received rave reviews from critics around the world.

As said by George Benson: “This monumental project includes some of my superstar friends who are among the world’s best known artists of our time. It is an honor to be the subject of this new guitar and musical star. This project sounds FANTASTIC…”

This past year, U-Nam also joined the Jazz/Fusion All-Star band “Grafitti” with a line-up that includes Dennis Chambers (Drums), Gary Grainger (Bass) and Haakon Graf (Keyboards). During their successful “Reunion” tour in California, highlighted by the Guitar Center Drum Off at the Club Nokia in Los Angeles, they released a live album called “Live in California”. Grafitti also had a recently successful tour in the famous Igor Butman Jazz Club in Moscow, Russia. T he show sold out every night. In light of this success, Grafitti is preparing for a tour in Europe and Russia.


Having only formed in 2010, what a past 2 years these have been for the Dutch Settlers. Having played all across the UK from Sankeys in Manchester, London's East End and their home City Birmingham, seeing them secure a regular playing spot @ No.1 night FACE. The latter culminating in them playing up a mountain top in the Austrian Alps, Mayrhofen at Snowbombing April 2012 where German MTV quoted these guys as being the ones to watch out for this year!

Further to this, their very own Pat Ondebaak's first release 'Dancehall' was signed by German label 'Riot Riot Technique Records' and released on the 'We are Alike' compilation. Following up on the success thus far, more exciting releases are in the pipeline as well as festival bookings, European & Home gigs and hosting their own nights.

For these Guys 'the future is bright the future is Orange...'

Eric McFadden is a guitar-playing virtuoso. He has toured the world both as a solo artist, as well as with funk legend George Clinton (Parliament/Funkadelic), and rock legend Eric Burdon (The Animals). McFadden is a member of the new supergroup, TEN (www.TEN-music.com), alongside Thomas Pridgen (Mars Volta) and Norwood Fisher (Fishbone). McFadden has toured extensively with the Eric McFadden Trio (EMT), which features bass phenomenon James Whiton (Tom Waits) and the great Paulo Baldi (Cake, Les Claypool). Eric is also a member of the all-star band, Stockholm Syndrome, which also includes notable players such as Dave Schools (Widespread Panic), Jerry Joseph (Jack Mormons), Wally Ingram (Sheryl Crow) and Danny Louis (Govt Mule).
Eric McFadden has also collaborated on stage and/or in the studio with the regal likes of Bo Diddley, Keb Mo’, Living Colour, Joe Strummer (The Clash), Nels Cline (Wilco), Les Claypool (Primus), The Meters, Pat MacDonald (Timbuk3), Galactic, Bernie Worell (Talking Heads), Bonnie Rait, Bill Kreutzman (Grateful Dead), Ron Wood & Chuck Leavel (Rolling Stones), Pink, Juan Nelson (Ben Harper), Karen Cuda (Nashville Pussy), Pete Sears (Jefferson Airplane, Rod Stewart), Carla Bozulich, Joe Santiago & Dave Lovering (The Pixies),  Widespread Panic, Jackson Browne, Fishbone, Mike Watt (Minutemen), The Reverend Horton Heat, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Grace Potter, Jack Johnson, Boots Riley (The Coup), Steward Copeland (The Police), among others.
Eric McFadden is a veteran of such celebrated west coast bands as Alien Lovestock, Angry Babies, Liar, IZM, EMT, and the Faraway Brothers. McFadden has recorded several independently produced solo and band albums, many of which are regarded as underground masterworks by fans and critics alike , and has recorded and released several albums on such labels as Terminus (Atlanta), Fortune (San Francisco), Bad Reputation (Paris), Response (USA)

Pat Maclaine started playing rhythmic guitar with the band 'Doctors' when he was 12. He turned into bass 'plucking' after playing 'Paul McCartney's role - First work as actor - in 'Beatlemania' show when he was 17. Although he refuses any comparison with his mentors from Liverpool, the mark is always there in minor chords or intricate harmonies. " I call my own stuff 'Neo Cultural' ...it sounds 'Hippielengant' when it's time to talk about what you do". 
In the Studio: Bass, Vocals, Guitars, Drums, Percussion, Keyboards & Native instruments he was collecting from all around the world. 
"You know, I came out with all this new project on Native music after a sprain which took me to take a rest in the seaside but don't ask me when all this stuff exactly came to my mind as I was into meditation in those days and was planning to contact Julian Lennon just to let him know about all this stuff but things kept us apart and couldn't contact him ... thought Julian was the first one getting me right as he was going out his 'Waledreamers' and getting into the White Feather Foundation and also working with James (
Scott Cook) ... quite alike all the stuff I was doing including B&W photography!.. That's why I wanted to talk to him... looked and sounded as if we were twins! affinity, you know'.
Anyway, I do love what all these cool 'Forever Fresh Stuff' musicians , including Julian, Macca or chaps like Duran Duran, Sting, you name it, people you enjoy listening to... Joss Stone... list can be long indeed.  
If my music and all my stuff in general is accepted by people involved in the 'Arty Thing' for real, I'll be 50% satisfied... I know my uncle will not like it at all!... 
His next Solo CD 'Healping' will be out for 2015 



It’s been quite a journey, but Alanna Cherote has returned to Australia with her first material since her triumphant debut album PAPERFLOWER. Alanna has stolen the hearts of Canadian music listeners and critics alike, playing Canadian Music Week where her determination to win Canada over paid off. Prominent Radio Host Alan Cross rated catchy single ‘Street Girls’ as Explore Music’s ”Indie Track of The month”. Adding to the affirmation was CBC Radio’s Mark Rheaume, who expressed, “Music reviewers who deal with hundreds of recordings a year know that very few releases offer more than a handful of outstanding tracks.  In defiance of the math, Alanna Cherote’s ‘Paper Flower’ offers one glorious tune after another”.
Her latest offering, powerhouse single ‘TABOO’, was released to rave reviews.
For Alanna, spreading her wings to the far side of the globe, was where she found her sweet spot, with international performances and song-writing collaborations in Los Angeles, the United Kingdom and Canada. In addition to that, recording with the legendary Canadian singer songwriter Ron SexSmith. When thinking of Alanna and her work Ron says  “The first time I ever heard Alanna’s music and wonderful voice  I knew she was the real deal” 
‘Taboo’ plans on grabbing the attention of her Aussie fans.
Taboo is the single where she gives her most powerful performance to date. This song is pure fire. With a heavy stroke of Quentin Tarantino inspiration, some Pat Benatar threads, and a serious attitude, this single is set to shock and delight old and new fans alike.

‘Everything about Alanna’s demeanour illustrates that she is serious when it comes to her craft. With her lionhearted songwriting style, her heavy gaze, striking dark features, and mostly the blazing fire that lives behind her intense, heavily lined, almond-shaped eyes, says it all when your wondering what you can expect to hear. This is the single where she gives her most fearless performance to date.”
Andy Crosbie ( Sparks Music Canada )

Son Ark is currently working on their first full-length record, The Land of Smoke, due out in 2013

Son Ark has been filling establishments across Los Angeles with their unmistakably unique brand of folk rock and with lyrics that tell tales of bygone eras and heartbreaking love lost. Son Ark’s “unvarnished, heart-on-its-sleeve roots rock sneaks up on you like a speed trap on a two-lane highway” (Buzzbands). Son Ark longingly reminds us of days gone by. The songs are not antiques, though. Influenced by the likes of Andrew Bird, Avett Brothers, the Pixies, and Led Zeppelin, Son Ark tells their tales in a decidedly contemporary way and their live performances will persuade you to “overcome your too-cool-for-folk attitude” (LA Music Blog). In summer 2007, singer Robin Harris, guitarist Sherman Pascoe, and bassist Chris Sousa met by luck or by fate and began playing played at speakeasies, cafe bars, and street corners alike for the next year. Meanwhile, in Boston, banjo player Matt Sousa began hearing of his cousin Chris’ escapades and decided to move West and join the band. Pat Butterworth entered the ranks in 2008. Adrian Prohaska joined on mandolin and vocals in 2011, completing the band.  From that moment on, Son Ark has made stages such the Echo, the Satellite, and the Bootleg Theater their stomping grounds. In November of 2011, Son Ark released their Much Obliged EP, which is full of “layered harmonies that effortlessly float above bright Americana arrangements” (BuzzbandsLA). That July, Son Ark hit the road and played up and down the west coast from San Diego, CA to Portland, OR. 2012 came to an end with Son Ark’s debut music video, Going to the Woods. 

Howie James 
Entertainer, Nanaimo BC 

"BC's answer to Tony Bennett" - Globe & Mail

Howie James is a legendary but extremely humble entertainer, who made his name back in the sixties and seventies by resurrecting the old Quadra Club in Vancouver, and defining nightlife at hot spots like The Livingroom and the Coach House. His smooth vocals and remarkable guitar stylings were a mainstay of Canada's night clubs and hotel lounges for several decades, garnering him praise from critics and fans alike. 

"One heck of a musician" - Nanaimo Daily News

Although a natural born entertainer, Howie is actually quite shy and has never looked for fame. But despite his humble ways, and only a couple of early recordings, his name and reputation are well know by those with a taste for class acts. Currently living with his lovely wife on Vancouver Island, he continues to gig with his gorgeous 1950's Gibson in hand, the very same one he has played for his entire career. 

"Very impressed...you'll want to listen to it again and again...(Howie) has paid his dues and has not lost his touch." - Western Swing Music Society 2009

In February of 2007 Howie played a sold out show with his great-nephew Reid Jamieson in Victoria, a show he didn't realize was to be his surprise 75th birthday party. The pairing was an instant success and this special event touched him like no other. To prepare for the concert Howie pulled out a couple of original tunes he had stashed away, and despite his feeling that folks would rather hear standards they knew, the audience response was amazing. Since that day he was struck by inspiration and started writing up a musical storm. February of 2008 saw the culmination of this creative renaissance, in a full length recording of all original Howie James compositions entitled Don't Be Ashamed. Please have a listen and let him know what you think of it.


Read a great article by Tom Hawthorn of The Globe & Mail about Howie making it to 75 in the music biz. Globe & Mail Jan 30, 2008 


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Trivia

Howie was born on February 6th, 1932. 75 years ago. The same year and month as Johnny Cash. He shares a birthday with Axl Rose, Ronald Reagan, Rip Torn, Fabian, 
Zsa Zsa Gabor, Natalie Cole and Babe Ruth.

 He was raised in the small northern town of  Powassan Ontario. 

In a typical effort to make things easier on folks, Howie shortened his last name from Jamieson to James.

His father played the fiddle.

His great nephew Reid Jamieson is a fellow performer who lives in BC as well. 

Howie was in the artillery during the Korean war from January 1951 to November 1953.  Although he never saw battle, he was an instuctor in parade square drill, heavy guns, radar and small arms.  Mostly stationed in Victoria at Work Point and Gordon Head.

One of his greatest heroes is the fabulous Tony Bennett.

Howie once sang a duet with Leonard Nimoy (Spock!) in Vancouver at a CBC kids telethon in 69 or 70. They performed 'Cottonfields'. Howie performed on CBC television regularly at that time. 

Howie was on the Cross Canada Barn Dance With Evan Kemp for 3 months in 1962. This was a national broadcast which went coast to coast. Howie was a back up singer, soloist and rhythm guitarist.  One of our guests on the show was Johnny Cash.

Howie was once a model for the Hudson's Bay Company - have a look!

In Vancouver and on the Island here, Howie has shared the stage with some great people such as Buff Allan, John Capon, Bill Cave, Pat Coleman, Wayne Finucan, Ray Haynes, Ken Lister, Henry Young and many more.

Howie shares a manager with his nephew Reid, Carolyn V. Mill who he affectionately calls 'the Colonel'. 

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Please be sure to request Howie on CBC's new Radio 2

cbc.ca/radio2drive

cbc.ca/radio2morning

 

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Press

"Quadra club owner Gordon Town has always credited singer guitarist Howie James with making the Quadra a success over the past six years."

 "Anyone who consistently makes it in the local clubs has to have something going for him...Howie James, the man with the People Power at The Living Room, and consequentially the highest paid single entertainer in town, is on of them."

Alix MacGillivray - The Vancouver Sun 

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"Howie James and the Jamesman have turned the place (The Quadra) into the town's most swinging non-rock roost."

 "Howie James singing the blues at The Newsman Club is one of the better things around town. You havent lived until youve heard him sing tunes from Sesame Street to the slightly spiffed midnight mob." (1971)

Jack Wasserman - CJOR
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Wasserman

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"Howie James, the guitarist who sings so well, is actually Howie Jamieson who once sang with Evan Kemp and friends on radio and TV."  

"At the Quadra Club... he fronts a pleasant group called Howie James and the Jamesmen...  Absorbing much of the nightclub sophistication...the result is a man who can sing the standards and set the atmosphere.  This kind of atmosphere is the kind you want."

 

Lorne Parton - Vancouver Province 

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"I heard Howie James singing and playing to a packed house at the Quadra...If there was a college course on ways to satisfy steadily the biggest possible audience, the faculty, led by lawrenece Welk, should include Howie (James). I think every young musician eyeing a commercial career should watch and listen to James at work." (1969)

 "Its nice to welcome the coolest of them all, Howie James, back to the nightly scene. He and accompanist Clive Gard opened recently at Clementine's, Ken Stauffer's refurbished flashback in the Lulu belle on West Broadway....The set I caught was typcal James: all kinds of material from his bag of musical and vocal tricks, and I must admit I was especially taken with the sophisticated sambas and bossa novas." (1975)

Bob Smith - Vancouver Sun



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