aireene espiritu
My latest project, The Sampaguitas, sing Filipino folk songs and inspired originals in three-part harmony. Drawing influences from folk, blues, doo-wop girl groups, and the Filipinx-American diaspora, Jenevieve Francisco, Cristina Ibarra, and Aireene Espiritu share music from their roots and explore what it means to be in a “third culture” between worlds. The sampaguita is the national flower of the Philippines and only fitting to describe the sweet sounds coming from their melded vocal textures, tones, and tight harmonies.
STOMPIN' SWAYIN' TIMELESS AMERICANA
CONNECT
Aireene Espiritu Plumbs Deep into the Well of American Music Los Angeles Times, Jonny Whiteside
“Folk singer-songwriter Aireene Espiritu works in the elemental substance of vernacular American music with an uncanny ease. Whether blues, hillbilly, soul, folk or R&B...demonstrates masterly command of each. Her original compositions mix deft lyrical construction and classic form just as impressively...An authentic, authoritative vocalist and with distinctly sensitive manner of phrasing... Bay Area-based Espiritu's arrival as California folk's legitimate forces...” continue reading.
2011 Goodnight Aireene Goodnight EP, $5
Six song EP, Aireene on vocals and tenor ukulele recorded in a live setting.
2006 Self titled Release, $5
Recorded raw, with no mastering at Studio 132with BZ Lewis.
>> BUY: Only digital version available.
2010 The Ten Ton Feather, $14
Rick & Aireene's first official duo release. With special guests Scott Amendola (drums), Jon Evans(bass and more), Bill Evans (banjo), Karen Goodman (vocals), Brian Judd (mandolin), Chad Manning (fiddle), and Julie Wolf (keys).
2008 Live at the Freight & Salvage DVD, $5
This DVD captures Rick and Aireene at their best, held the Freight's old location in Berkeley, CA. This nearly sold-out performance was clearly a night to remember, and we were lucky that 'tape was rolling' to catch it all for you. Catch a glimpse.
OTHER STORES/COMPILATIONS
2015 Songs from the Fog, Volume 2
A compilation of San Francisco Bay Area singer-songwriters. Available at live shows only. More info here.
2014 Put Back Charlie, $14
Review from Pasadena Weekly, TRAX by Bliss.
Throughout this nicely varied album, Oakland-based songwriter Espiritu’s dusky vocals are solidly supported by session aces like guitarist/producer Ed Tree, mandolinist Tom Corbett and percussionist Debra Dobkin, who shift comfortably from a slide-filled rewrite of the folk standard “Stagger Lee” to a grooving cover of Big Jay McNeely’s “There is Something on Your Mind” and the lively bluegrass closer “Wide Open.” Espiritu impresses most with observant originals like “Truth” (“Truth woke me early one morning/ And he asked me, How do you feel?/ Heart grabbed a chance to speak/ While mind was still half asleep”).
2012 Best of the Fest-San Francisco Free Folk Festival
A compilation of various artists from the 2012 San Francisco Free Folk Festival which includes my version of the traditional "Oh Come, Angel Band."
2010 Hootenanny Saturday Night
A collection of 18 of the best Bay Area folk & acoustic performers from the famed SF Hootenanny night, the monthly free acoustic music showcase at the Cafe International in SF. All proceeds benefit Hootenanny Night. A big thanks to Richard Rice, who's made it happen for many years.
2012 Ruby's Juke Joint Americana Cookbook
Not only does Grammy nominee, Ruby Dee, from Ruby Dee & the Snakehandlers, put out great Americana music, she also cooks a mean meal. Her cookbook is accompanied by a compilation CD of Americana music, including "Down at Albert Brown's" by yours truly.
2010 Barkissimo
A compilation of music from the Music on the Water Concert Series aboard the yacht, The Barkissimo in Emeryville, CA. Hosted by Scott Locker, all proceeds are going to go to a charity Scott's choosing.
Back Where I Belong, $14
2016 release under Little Village Foundation label also now available in iTunes, Amazon and most online retail stores.
Check out the latest review in ALL ABOUT JAZZ.