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SPOTLIGHT

The ESSENCE of Good Music

 

It would seem inept to compare singer/songwriter, Essence to the likes of Sarah McLaughlin, Sean Colvin and Tori Amos – all whom she has either toured with or admires. But this gem of an artist, whose track Glitter Gone from the hard-to-find Conception album exemplifies how melody, pathos and lyricism can be fused to the level of a classic, is inevitably going to be categorized as such. Don’t be fooled. There is so much more to this 6th generation Northern California native who won the National Lilith Fair Talent Competition in 1998 and has just released her smashing third album of infectious indie-pop and electronica tunes, Feels Like the Future.

 

“My goal is to write emotionally evocative, vulnerable songs,” says Essence. “Songs that are rich in story-telling and metaphor.” This should come as no surprise to those that have followed Essence faithfully through the years and listened to her honest, captivating music – just as stirring in a remixed, electronically produced context as it is in an acoustic rendition. It’s no wonder since her heroes include such artists as Willy Nelson, Tom Petty, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, all of whom mine life experiences for music that is profoundly relatable and resonant through the ages. Feels Like the Future was greatly inspired by my meeting my husband and I wrote it after the first time we hung out,” she explains. “It was earth-shaking. Just like great music, it could not be ignored and I was compelled to follow it through.”

 

But the album is not just a peon to newfound love. Feels Like the Future is bright and upbeat, but it’s also a farewell to the past and an enthusiastic embrace of the future. Deeply influenced by the passing of her father and the birth of her son a few months after, Essence demonstrates her versatility in tracks like How to Say Goodbye and Shape of You which helped her to celebrate and also let go a little bit. And then there is also the pulsating mix of Lunar Rings and Numb, a standout track that grabs hold of you and embodies all the qualities that make a song not only personally relevant, but an enduring hit.

 

-- Ghalib Dhalla

 

 

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OPENING NIGHT OF CATS The family-favorite that helped revolutionize musical theatre returned to the Pantages Theatre for a limited two-week engagement through March 21st and the stars came out to pay homage. Attendees included Mel B, Debi Mazar, The Bachelor’s Tenley Molzahn, Doris Roberts, Melora Hardin, Jeffrey Nordling, Carolyn Hennesy, Loretta Devine, Jennifer Taylor and even the CATS themselves!.

 

-- Ghalib Dhalla.

 

Loretta Devine	Doris Roberts	Debi Mazar

 

 

ACURA ZDX LAUNCH AT THE W HOLLYWOOD The all-new Acura 2010 ZDX four-door sports coup was unveiled at the hip new hotel and had celebs and guests ogling at its sleek contours and performance promise. The automotive luxury brand teamed up with LA Confidential to celebrate the car and photography of renowned photographer Erick Madigan Heck. A complimentary full-service coffee station at the valet, courtesy of Acura, further proved their class and caring.

 

Jai Rodriguez and Ali Larter	Guests admire the new the Acura ZDX at the Los Angeles launch, W Hotel Hollywood	Elizabeth Rohm, artist Erik Madigan Heck and Ali Larter

 

 

2010 6TH ANNUAL VALENTINE’S DAY HEART PROTECTION SEMINAR Honoring Anderson Cooper Sheila Kar, a practicing cardiologist and President of her namesake health foundation, SKHF, pulled in a packed room at the Beverly Hilton on Valentine’s Day to raise awareness and honor Anderson Cooper. Joe Piscopo provided “brat-pack” style jazz entertainment, Kar - a moving speech on the mission and accomplishments of the foundation, Larry King - a stand-up worthy introduction, and Cooper, as is expected, the charming self-deprecating humor and star power that created a near avalanche.

 

Anderson Cooper, Larry King and Sheila Karr	Guest, Sheila Karr and Joe Piscopo