About Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipinti
After years of touring together, decorated Canadian artists Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipinti have teamed up to create ES:MO – a musical duo focused on genreless creativity and exploration. Their album The Weight of Hope has just been nominated for Canada’s JUNO Award for Vocal Jazz Album of The Year! With extensive musical backgrounds, international acclaim, and a lengthy list of prestigious awards and nominations, namely, their combined fifteen Juno nominations, both artists have had successful, independent careers before embarking on their new venture.
Elizabeth, a multi-dimensional vocalist/pianist, has twice been long-listed for the Polaris Prize and has performed at the Hollywood Bowl and Auditorium Parco della Musica. Michael, a versatile, creative guitarist, has performed with jazz legends such as Don Byron and Sam Rivers, headlined festivals such as Umbria Jazz Winter and Festival Cultural Zacatecas, and performed with artists such as Bruce Cockburn, DVSN, and the Barenaked Ladies. They’ve now teamed up to create an album of re-imagined musical works and atmospheric, compelling original music. The Weight of Hope is out on all major streaming services now!