The black suits, thin ties and slick shoes leave one suspiciously searching for gun holsters and a black Lincoln Continental in the background. But here to re-establish the 1970s, this 10-piece gang prefers saxophones and trumpets to revolvers.
The Essentials, composed entirely of University alumni, bring back groovy, upbeat, brass-heavy soul to Eugene clubs and Oregon football games. In addition to original material, the “large and loud” group covers artists like Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire and Chicago.
At a glanceWho: The Essentials When: Nov. 22, 10 p.m. Where: John Henry’s, 21+ What: CD release; free album with $10 price of admission |
“It’s music our parents listened to. We’re all young so none of us got to experience the culture – only the recordings,” said alto saxophonist Gabe Dickinson, who is pursuing a master’s in music education at the University. “I guess we feel that the best music already happened, and we are now trying to recreate it in a new way.”
Dickinson founded the band and composes most of its music. “The fact that we’re young appeals to a young audience. But we share our style of music with the older people, so that gets both crowds to come to the shows,” he said.
This month, The Essentials are set to release their new EP, “Something to Give.” With R&B roots, the ensemble explores new sounds, adding disco and pop flavors into the mix, including rock beats and pop radio elements the band members grew up with but wouldn’t have been heard in the ’70s. The simple but eye-opening lyrics cover love and politics with songs like “Greed.”
“We make it more modern when can. We tried to make the new album a bit more danceable,” said Dickinson. The album features 19 musicians, including a new alternate lead singer and guests like Dana Heitman from the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies. “I try to include at least one solo section in each song. People have the chops for it, so I give them the freedom,” said Dickinson.
The Essentials recently purchased a 12-seater band van, but it still takes at least one other pick-up truck to carry the drum set. One can imagine the logistical difficulties of such a large group. “It would otherwise be impossible, but they all give me their availability before committing to other groups,” said Dickinson. Because the musicians are so experienced, two rehearsals a month is sufficient. “Everyone has a huge education; we can get a new song down in just a couple of hours, or even less,” Dickinson said.
In the summer, the band plays private shows, weddings and festivals that cover I-5 from San Francisco to Seattle. “The summer finances our bar show habits,” laughed Dickinson. “It’s good to be traveling and having a good time with the band, away from our day jobs.”
Dickinson said independent music is on the rise and if the trend continues, The Essentials will have some hope for success. “You never know, though, and sometimes real life gets in the way,” he said. The hard part is getting distinguished individuals to listen to the material. “Every year we think it’s the last year, and if we didn’t have day jobs we would not survive.”
Still, The Essentials are not the only dinosaurs struggling to reinvigorate a dying genre. In December, the band will load up its bus and head to Seattle to see Tower of Power, one of the surviving originals of the soul era.
[email protected]