We're talented professional players with music degrees and a lot of chemistry. We've been successful for a long time, and it's because we're serious about work ethic and professionalism.
We do this because it's what we love and because we're addicted. You watch Neil sing and tell me that's not love.
Live music is special because of the interaction between the audience and artists. We feed off our crowd's energy and as a result, each performance turns out unique and often unexpected.
"You bring the moves, we'll throw sound at ya." -Neil
The Essentials are a 9-piece soul band, performing around the Pacific Northwest and beyond since 2004.
Motown, Stax, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye...this is some of America's greatest music, yet the genre and ethos seem a little neglected these days.
With an idea to pursue a love and passion for authentic American Soul music, in 2004 elite members of the Oregon Athletic bands, Gospel Choir, and Jazz Ensembles join forces to form an all-star Soul, Funk, and R&B powerhouse.
The group continues to hone not only their live performance, but also the business and logistics end. To keep costs down for clients, the band adopts a DIY mentality, handling all booking internally, doing their own musical arranging and studio recording, and running live sound and lighting.
Wowing audiences show after show, word of mouth spreads. The Register Gard names The Essentials the best band the in area, Gigmasters.com rates them the best dance band on the west coast, and their debut self-titled album is slotted #1 on CD Baby for both Soul and Funk. The band starts to get air play on radio stations in the UK, Japan, and around the U.S.
Last year we were all over the Pacific NW again performing at events in Central Oregon, the Columbia Gorge, Idaho, Washington, and elsewhere. Some highlights include a headline performance at the 2016 US Olympic Trials in Eugene, another show at last year's Harley Davidson Lighthouse Run in Coos Bay, and even a New Years Eve wedding at the Portland Art Museum. These are a few of the finest musicians on the west coast, but also a some of the kindest, warmest souls you'll ever meet. ...another summer in the gorgeous PNW, meeting wonderful people, and making music with friends!
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