In the late 1970s, four young sisters from the South Bronx formed a band and began to perform around New York City, starting with talent shows and quickly moving up to nightclubs and discotheques. They produced a completely unique form of dance music: primal, stripped-down, devoid of pretense or elegant trappings. They named themselves ESG (Emerald, Silver, and Gold), and over the next few years, they caught the attention of labels and promoters, toured the world, and released records that became underground classics. Their minimal, primal grooves became hugely influential in both the disco and hip-hop scenes, played by DJs and sampled by innumerable producers. They remained active over the ensuing decades, releasing albums, going on hiatus, and reforming. Two of the sisters moved on, and the remaining two incorporated some of their daughters, nieces, and sons, becoming even more of a family affair.
In 2012, they announced a new album and toured the US, and this show was promoted as their final performance ever. Now, this is not the first time they’ve billed something as their last show, and while from some other acts, the endless string of LAST CHANCE FAREWELL FOREVER THIS IS REALLY IT THIS TIME tours can seem crass and calculating, from ESG, it seems perfectly in keeping with the casual spirit of the group. “Hi, Aunt Valerie, we’re coming up to visit New York in January! Wanna play a final concert? Cool!”
In fact, that was very much the vibe of the entire show: laid back, halfway between a rock show and having dinner with a friend’s family. Except, in this case, the family happens to have some instruments and a supply of deeply funky tunes. The venue itself reinforced this sense of friendly informality – a small, cozy basement space with a stage that sits only a foot off the ground.
They played everything anyone could want, and the crowd… Well, we loved every instant. We danced, shouted, sang, and clapped along with each and every song. It was a great evening of music and community; a testament to the universal power of the groove, and to the fun that can be created with little more than voices, drums, clapping hands, and a steady rumble of electric bass.
Photos © 2013 Marnie Ann Joyce. Additional photos from this event can be seen here.