Michael Occhipinti’s huge palette of sounds and skill has made him one of Canada’s most respected guitarists, and pairing his talents with Elizabeth Shepherd’s soulful and ethereal voice and keyboard work stunned listeners on their debut The Weight of Hope, which received a 2022 JUNO Award nomination (individually Michael and Elizabeth have a combined 19 JUNO nominations). The album was built around the duo’s unique interpretations of songs by Stevie Wonder, Bruce Cockburn, Jackie Shane, Nick Drake and others.ES:MO’s 2nd album SUNSHINE IN MY BONES will be out in spring 2026, a celebration of the duo’s own compositions built on hours of jam sessions, found sounds such as washing machines, improvised voice and guitar loops, and the magical connection Elizabeth and Michael have when they create music together. The lyrics explore everything from war crimes to cruise ship class warfare, love among tulips, and the need for human connection.
