ES:MO
- Jazz, Singer-Songwriter
ES:MO is Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipinti, two imaginative genre-defying musicians who create music that is uniquely their own. Combine a love of songwriters from Madison Cunningham to Phoebe Bridgers, with the sonic world of Radiohead or Imogen Heap, the soul of Stevie Wonder, the sophistication of Herbie Hancock, and the restless virtuosity of Bruce Cockburn or Jeff Beck, and you’ll have entered into some of ES:MO’s world.
Michael Occhipinti’s huge palette of sounds and versatile skills has made him one of Canada’s most admired guitarists, and pairing his talents with Globetrotting songstress Elizabeth Shepherd’s soulful and ethereal voice and sophisticated keyboard work stunned listeners on their debut The Weight of Hope, which received a 2022 JUNO Award nomination. The album was built around the duo’s unique interpretations of songs by Bruce Cockburn, Jackie Shane, Nick Drake, and others.
ES:MO 2nd album SUNSHINE IN MY BONES is now out, a celebration of the duo’s own compositions built on hours of jam sessions, found sounds such as washing machines, improvised voice and guitar loops, and the magical connection Elizabeth and Michael have when they create music together. Their thoughtful songs explore everything from war crimes to cruise ship class warfare, love among tulips, and the need for human connection. Guest drummers Larnell Lewis, Jinu Isac, Tony Ferraro, and Marito Marques, join Elizabeth and Michael who play everything else.
