"Genre-less creativity"
“The audience on Saturday was spellbound by ES:MO, truly a wondrous musical journey. Real, fearless, and oh so talented. They never disappoint.” Judy Rose, Vernon Jazz Club
"ES:MO put on an incredibly intimate and captivating performance that our audience absolutely loved. Their musicianship and chemistry made for a memorable night that left everyone wanting more.” Larry Rossingnol, Presenter - Hornby Island Arts
The individual talents of Juno nominees Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipinti are well known throughout Canada and beyond. Together as ES:MO their complimentary styles produce a unique musical magic. Elizabeth and Michael engage audiences with ease and turn them into appreciative friends.
David Ottenbrite, Galt Jazz
BIO
ES:MO is Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipinti, two imaginative genre-defying musicians who create music that is uniquely their own. ES:MO fuses a love of songwriters from Joni Mitchell to Phoebe Bridgers, with the inventive musicianship they’re known for as perennial Juno Award nominees and veterans of Canada’s music scene. Mix strong songwriting with the sonic world of Radiohead, the soul of Stevie Wonder, the innovation of Herbie Hancock, and the restless virtuosity of Jeff Beck and you’ve 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 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 (individually Michael and Elizabeth have a combined 19 JUNO nominations). The album was built around the duo’s unique interpretations of songs by Stevie Wonder, 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.