ÉSSO is the brainchild of Chicago born songwriter and producer Armando Pérez. He curated an inner city big band of rotating members which definitively unsealed an agile sound propelling them to perform for mutli-cultural concerts and festivals alongside Grammy winning artists.The group made a splash by invoking polystylistic enthusiasm from the uncompromising urban streets that birthed House music, as well as undeniably potent movements in hiphop, punk rock, and free jazz. Drawing on these raw influences, the Chicago based band effortlessly merge Chicano and Boricua roots music with Cuban son into a rhythmic sancocho filling dance floors and providing ample evidence of Chicago’s presence as a hotbed of diverse new music in the States.Their bilingual lyrics bring gusto to the socio-political conversation while adding context to inspired musical compositions and alluring beats. Swirling guitar, brass horns, spoken word and group singing add to their tropical funk outfit with a fearless focused spirit intact. ÉSSO’s foundational versatility has taken the band on tours across the US and into Mexico behind their critically acclaimed releases of original independent music online and on vinyl. This is the soundtrack of rebel streets remixed for the future by its outspoken immigrant youth.ÉSSO has performed for notable music festivals including: Redbull Music Xicago Festival, Ruido Fest, Chicago World Music Festival, Taste of Chicago, Clark Street Festival, South By Southwest (SXSW), Festival Cultural de Zacatecas (MX), Do Division, Pilsen Fest, Michelada Fest, Villapalooza and many more street celebrations across the US.They’ve shared the stage with: Cafe Tacvba, Natalia Lafourcade, Bomba Estereo, Ozomatli, Los Amigos Invisibles, Kinky, Princess Nokia, as well as Songhoy Blues, La Santa Cecilia, Sonido Gallo Negro, Los Rakas, Chicha Libre, Saul Williams, Jeremy Sole, Jenny & the Mexicats, Gaby Moreno, Alice Russel, Euforquestra, Boogat and more.Live band members include: Armando Pérez (guitar/vocal), Kevin Miller (saxophone), Dan Lieber (drums/percussion), Ezra Lange (bass), Diana Mosquera (vocals), Jess Anzaldúa (percussion), Luis Tubens (vocals), Matthew Davis (trombone) and special guests.*** Their notable experience and active work in performing for grassroots community organizations and volunteer programs has helped raise awareness and vital funding for important after-school, immigrant justice, humanitarian, and fair housing programs across the US. Members spearhead free all-ages library programs for families, educational music presentations, and workshops focused on cultural recognition in music, poetry and the arts.
Covington Groove is an on-the-rise Blues Rock Fusion Jam Band with a solid Funk Rock Rhythm section that grabs new fans wherever they play.
The Selectones are a 7 piece reggae/ska band from Chicago. Formed in the Fall of 2015, The Selectones boast a full 3 piece horn section, stunning and powerful vocals and harmonies, and a solid rhythm section, which all blend seamlessly together to create an incredibly tight sound. Bolstered by an unmatched energy, their style of reggae and ska begs to be danced to, assuring their live shows are not to be missed. With their first official studio release forthcoming, The Selectones are set to explode onto the Chicago music scene in 2016.
ESSO Funk (aka ¡ESSO! Afrojam Funkbeat) is a dynamic global music ensemble from Chicago IL. They perform a variety of roots rock inspired dance music from North, Central, and South America. Their music establishes energizing polyrhythmic grooves and combine biting twang guitars, thumping bass, with the strength of brass horns, group singing, and urban poetry.
Band members: Armando (guitar), Kevin (sax), Dan (drums), Diana (vocal), Puerko (perc), Jess Anzaldua (perc), Matt (bass/trombone/flute), and Luis (poet) all bring a vital contribution to the band’s unique “afrojam funkbeat” sound. Inspired by Chicago’s soulful blues, jazzy house, and global fusion heavyweights, the group deliver their performances with purpose and verve; unifying listeners through sound and dance.
¡ESSO! was awarded “Best New Band,” and “Best World/International Music Act” by the Chicago Reader’s Poll in 2016. The band continue to perform and relase new music on all platforms to critical acclaim nationwide. @essofunk