The Essentials

The Essentials aren't what you might expect to find in Eugene's local music scene. They're not burned-out hippies, high-school dropouts or indie punk rockers.

Many of them have degrees from the University, and those who don't are well on their way.

The 10-member jazz/soul/funk band from Eugene is entirely made up of University students and alumni, making its mark on the local music scene with its balanced and eclectic mix of cover songs and original music.

The group, which has been together for two years now, was the creation of University graduate Gabe Dickinson, the band's alto saxophone player.

"I had tried this before (with different types of bands)... but this was the first one that stuck," he said, adding that he found the group's lead singer, Neil Thurston, when Thurston was singing karaoke at Taylor's Bar and Grille.

Thurston's vocals are really the focal point of the band's music.

"Neil's voice is one of the defining characteristics of our sound," said the group's drummer, John Kalny.

His soulful, timeless voice is a perfect addition to the variety of music and the layers of instruments utilized by The Essentials. On their debut album, titled "The Essentials," Thurston's voice is featured prominently. The album's opening track, "In Your Corner," starts off as a jazzy Motown sendback, until Bill Marsh's guitar takes control and the song takes on a more modern feeling. In the midst of it all, Thurston's voice shines. On tracks like "Bring Me Down Some" and "Bittersweet Reality," backup singer Myeshia Cleveland's vocals are a perfect complement to Thurston's sound, adding yet another layer to the already rich sound of their music.

The album's second-to-last track, "Spin," reflects the band's rich sound with its catchy, rhythmic chorus that will have you moving and that will get in your head and stay there, transitioning perfectly into the album's closing track, the funky, soulful "Bittersweet Reality."

The album is packed with solid music - so solid that there's no way to tell that a good portion of the music was recorded after classes at Ground Control Studios, a recording studio located within Kalny's house.

The group doesn't just shine in the studio; when it comes to performing, they like to keep things interesting as well.

"I always write a set list but I never stick to it," Dickinson said. "I like to keep people dancing."

One way they keep the dance floor moving is by bringing out the heavy-hitters like Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On."

"That'll fill the dance floor," Dickinson said.

In addition to Marvin Gaye, The Essentials cite Stevie Wonder, Tower of Power and Jamiroquai as major musical influences in their art, a mix one member calls "pleasantly eclectic." With a wide range of influences, it's no surprise that their music appeals to a varied audience as well.

"We've been pleasantly surprised by the diversity of people who like what we do," Kalny said.

Dickinson added that college students make up a good portion of their fans, which might not be expected with the college music scene's emphasis on alternative music.

"Our music may not be Top 40 all the time, but that doesn't mean people don't like it," he said.

For the musicians of The Essentials, finding a balance between school and music is nothing new - nine of the group's 10 members are music majors.

"We're all students studying music," Marsh said. "We're professionals earning our degrees in what we do."

Their work may sometimes get in the way of school, but it's okay - they're music majors. "You just say 'sorry, I got a gig,' and (our professors) understand," Marsh said.

In the last year, the Essentials have had more than 30 shows in the area, putting their balancing act to frequent work, and after two years of being together and performing at the Eugene area's various venues, including the Cuthbert Amphitheater and the Moshofsky Center, The Essentials are ready for their big break. Their self-titled debut album comes out this month and features 11 original tracks and one cover, Billy Paul's classic "Me and Mrs. Jones" - a fan favorite.

They're all excited to get their work officially out there and into their fans' hands, but making the album was a lengthy process; some of the disc's songs were written years ago, when Dickinson was still in high school, while others were written more recently.

"We were kind of far away a month ago from (the album) being finished," Dickinson said, but a lot of late, sleepless nights went into making their dreams a reality, and this weekend the group will finally see the results of their hard work when they have a release party for the album on Saturday the 14th, at Latitude 21 in Eugene.

Starting at 10:00 p.m., The Essentials, along with the Brothers of Beat and Disco Organica, will be performing at the event that the band's MySpace page describes as "essentially the most important event of the Millennium." Strong words, yes, but if The Essentials continue to rise up and stand out, those words just may prove to be true. - Oregon Daily Emerald

Anyone who's been following the history of local soul band the Essentials will find it, well, essential to be at Latitude 21 on Saturday for the release party for the band's self-titled debut.

The album consists of 11 original tunes, written by band leader Gabe Dickinson, plus a cover of Kenny Gamble's "Me and Mrs. Jones."

POP NOTES

At the risk of evoking images of cheesy wedding dances, the Essentials pour the romance on thick in their rendition of "Mrs. Jones." They have some charming horns working in the arrangement.

Lead vocalist Neil Thurston can sing. No, he can si-iiiiiiing. Like, make-your-knees-weak sang.

Playing weddings and corporate events was how the 10 University of Oregon music students managed to afford to release a CD after just two years together, guitarist Bill Marsh says.

Each member offers some degree of professional experience. Through regular gigs at local clubs, playing the Willamette Valley Folk Festival and by word of mouth, the band has accumulated a strong local following, Marsh says.

Dickinson and drummer John Kalny co-produced the album. Kalny has been playing around town for more than 10 years in bands such as Papa's Soul Kitchen and D-Fault. In fact, you can catch Kalny tonight at the Green Room event with D-Fault at the WOW Hall.

"I wanted a mix of material that would catch different people's attention," Dickinson says in a news bio. He notes that he formed the whole band around the fact that people love to hear Thurston sing.

"I think Neil will suck people in when they first hear the album, and the quality of the music and playing will just make it that much more satisfying," Dickinson says.

For a nice example of the group's signature instrumentation, listen to Track 8: "Away."

The Brothers of Beat and Disco Organica will open the show at 10 p.m. Latitude 21 is at 21 W. Sixth Ave., and there is a $5 cover.

(Copyright 2007 The Register-Guard. All rights reserved.) - The Register Guard

Set your clock to the Wayback Machine as the Essentials return you to a different time, when R&B was raw, sultry, and actually real instead of the computer-processed fluff that often passes for it these days. Back in the ’70s, there was some true musicianship going on; those cats could really play. And the Essentials have caught the spirit of those times with some honest grooves and sweaty performances.

Every time I hear an R&B record as animated as this I wonder what the band is like live. The funky “The Clean Break” and the upbeat “Livin’ the Way” snap with infectious energy; the percussion on “Livin’ the Way” is especially crisp. Singer Neil Thurston has a Marvin Gaye-ish voice, equally playful and soulful; check out his slick moves on “In Your Corner.”

One of the things that I miss from R&B these days are the touches of jazz. The soaring horns on “In Your Corner” and “Bring Me Down Some” are downright perspiring. But the group is versatile as well, able to slow the rhythms down on “A Song Together” and “Away” while still keeping the blood flowing. The group throws in a cover of the Dramatics’ “Me and Mrs. Jones” just to remind you of where they came from.
- www.shotgunreviews.com

The Essentials have made their name as a (large!) group of talented musicians who evoke the rich musical past of funk and soul. But while they may have weaned themselves on Otis and Aretha, these formally-trained musical masterminds don’t hesitate to apply their soulful sound to any song that tickles their fancy. The Essentials’ repertoire includes everything from timeless dance favorites like Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” to Joe Cocker’s groovy rock hit “Feelin’ Alright” to Britney Spears’ “... Baby One More Time,” as well as a growing number of originals. The band will introduce the newest of their self-penned tunes (the “penning” done in large part by saxophone player Gabe Dickinson) at the upcoming release party for their new EP, Something to Give, this Saturday.

Feeling good is what a horn-heavy, bass-thumping band like The Essentials is all about; Something to Give moves this concept beyond the dance floor and into the daily walk of life with songs that inspire as well as entertain. Lead vocalist Neil Thurston delivers lyrics with a distinctly oratory flavor, most notably on the track “Greed,” a lively-yet-cautionary song about American consumerism. Myeshia Cleveland’s sweet, soothing voice brings the love song “Crossroads” to life, and together Cleveland and Thurston take on anxious lust in the ballad “If You Run to Me.” With each track on Something to Give The Essentials prove themselves to be more than a killer wedding band (and they are a killer wedding band!). Nine men and one woman strong, they employ the tricks of the masters while staying fresh and looking forward, all the while allowing audiences to lose their inhibitions and say, in the words of James Brown, “I Feel Good.” The Essentials celebrate the release of Something to Give at 9 pm Saturday, Nov. 22, at John Henry’s. 21+. $10 includes entry and CD. — Adrienne van der Valk - Eugene Weekly

The Essentials, the local 10-piece soul and R&B band, is releasing a new EP, “Something to Give,” Saturday at John Henry’s.

Pop notes

The track from which the title comes, “Greed,” is particularly relevant during these tough economic times, which many attribute to irresponsible indulgence and unregulated moneygrubbing.

With lyrics and arrangements by band leader Gabe Dickinson, “Greed” suggests a different world, one that eschews commercialism in favor of trying to find a way to give instead of take.

The positive message befits the rest of the five-song disc, on which the band takes a step away from the throwback stylings it favored on last year’s debut recording and moves toward a more contemporary sound.

The new Essentials may be poppier, but it still gets down and funky, especially on the last track, “Unconditional.”

The band laid down these tracks at Gung-Ho Studios, with owner Billy Barnett offering advice along the way and taking the reins with mixing and recording. The result is polished and professional — which is to be expected after several years together and from members trained at the University of Oregon School of Music.

Because of their talent and professionalism, the Essentials have bagged several high-profile gigs, including the Hilton Eugene ballroom for New Year’s Eve and the Moshofsky Center during Duck football games.

For $10, which includes the new recording, you can see the band play live all Saturday night at John Henry’s. No need to sit through an opening band, either, because the Essentials take the stage at 10 p.m. and will stay there the rest of the night.

Expect to hear both classic material from such artists as Earth Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder, as well as their new stuff. - The Register Guard