Join Esai and her Grandpa Don Aliquo Sr. in celebration of the release of Esai’s first EP “Inherited Groove” on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Uncork’d in Sharpsburg, from 4 pm - 7 pm! Due to a bad fall and long recovery, this event was rescheduled from May to October to ensure that Grandpa Don’s injuries were completely healed.
Joining this dynamic grandpa / granddaughter duo will 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 21 year old up and coming jazz vocalist Esai with her grandfather, 97 years young, beloved saxophonist, bandleader, and educator Don Aliquo Sr.
This EP was executively produced by Phat Man Dee and recorded by Dana Cannone at The Church Recording Studios in Overbrook, Pittsburgh, PA. 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 lyric 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.
Stream Inherited Groove on Your Favorite Platform!
Esai’s thoughts regarding “Inherited Groove”
“Finding my voice as a jazz vocalist and songwriter has helped me find serenity with myself as a young trans woman. “Inherited Groove” is special to me not only because it’s my first recorded album, but also because the last 6 years I have been blessed to play music with my Grandpa Don, and his love, acceptance, and support of my journey as both a jazz artist, and as a woman, has created a true bond between us both.”
Esai’s Bio:
Esai Aliquo is an up and coming jazz vocalist and singer songwriter. At just twenty years old, she has studied music and performance with Jennifer Lybarger musical theater coach, her grandfather the tenor saxophonist Don Aliquo Sr, vocal coach Paula Signorino, celebrated jazz vocalist Phat Man Dee, and classes at the Afro American Music Institute. She sings regularly in her mother Viva Valezz’s burlesque troupe “The Velvet Hearts”. While she has the benefit of an incredible community and family of working artists, her talent is all her own and her vocal prowess is sure to surprise and delight all who tune in to this young artist's first release!
No cover charge, order from and enjoy the dinner menu and buy a CD!