Join Esai & her grandpa Don Aliquo Sr. on Friday, May 8, for the release of Esai’s first EP Inherited Groove at Conjure Bar and Stage at Dr. Tumblety’s, located at 753 E. Warrington Ave, in the neighborhood of Allentown.!

Joining this dynamic duo shall be pianist and composer Joe DeFazio, as well as special guest and Esai’s vocal coach, Phat Man Dee. The beautiful project showcases a very special intergenerational collaboration between 20-year-old up-and-coming jazz vocalist Esai with her 96-year-old grandfather, beloved saxophonist, bandleader, and educator Don Aliquo Sr.

This work features loving interpretations of classic compositions like Billy Strayhorn’s “Just A Sittin’ and A-Rockin’”, Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile”, Eden Abhez’s “Nature Boy”, and Charlie “The Bird” Parker’s composition, “Billie’s Bounce” complete with Pittsburgh jazz artist and founder of vocalese Eddie Jefferson’s lyrics at the head of the tune. Esai makes a strong and powerful debut with two brand new original compositions, “You’ve Been Thinking About Me!” and “The First Time,” co-written with her grandpa Don Aliquo Sr., Phat Man Dee, and Joe DeFazio.

Executive producer: Phat Man Dee.
Record by: Dana Cannone at The Church Recording Studios in Overbrook, Pittsburgh, PA.