Go-Go Band Rare Essence Returns with New Album “Turn It Up” on May 6th, 2016

Go-go legends Rare Essence fervently celebrate their 40th anniversary with their 15th studio release, Turn It Up

While most urban music fans fondly remember “Da Butt” by E.U. (Experience Unlimited), which was a funky fresh sensation for the go-go music nation in 1998, that infectious swing-injected beat birthed in Washington D.C. played an influential role in the R&B and hip-hop market, even up until the present. Representing this extended family of go-go greatness are Trouble Funk and Chuck Brown – the major glue behind the movement, whose roots date to the mid-sixties. Within that special mix of go-go warriors are Rare Essence, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary for the cause. Sparked by a vision from Quentin “Footz” Davidson and three other childhood friends, Rare Essence built a solid reputation in the go-go community, even grabbing the attention of Uptown Records in the nineties, which resulted in the single, “Lock It,” from the Strictly Business Soundtrack. Their most successful single to date, “Work the Walls” from 1992, landed at #68 on The Billboard R&B Chart.

Though these contributions are key in their career success,these are just a tiny portion Rare Essence’s huge catalog of self-released live recordings that encapsulate their stage grittiness and party atmosphere. Despite the tragic losses of two key members – Davidson and Anthony Harley – the latest edition of Rare Essence still holds strong to the go-go tradition as they release their 15th studio project, entitled Turn It Up. Featuring contributions from hip-producer DJ Kool and soul stylist Raheem Devaughn, Turn It Up also reunites some of Rare Essence’s original members. With this musical cast on board, Turn It Up should turn up the volume for their 40th anniversary celebration.

www.rareessence.com | facebook/RareEssenceBand | @REWickedestBand

Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene