Artist description A unique melding of pop, jazz and classical styles. The driving force behind the voice and piano, combines oboe, saxophone, electric violin, percussion, drums, acoustic and electric bass with lyrics professing the secret rantings of the inner-self; it’s dark tendencies and profound capacity to feel.

Music Style Jazz infused pop.

Musical Influences Tori Amos, Chic Corea, Sarah Mc Lachlan, Copland, Bartok

Similar Artists Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, Paula Cole, Steely Dan

Artist History Mark and Lea Emerson, percussionist and pianist/vocalist respectively, are Envoy. They grew up on opposite sides of Oregon; Mark on his drumset jamming with a household of musicians and Lea playing Scott Joplin and serenading fellow campers with Olivia Newton John songs from atop picnic tables. Their paths finally crossed at the University of Oregon music school; where they were both winners of the Ruth Lorraine Close Scholarship competition in solo classical percussion and piano performance, and from which they earned bachelors degrees studying both jazz and classical music. After graduation, they moved to Los Angeles with everything they owned piled into their cars. Mark continued to record and perform, while Lea earned her masters in piano performance from UCLA. Through the influence of many styles of music, Mark and Lea formed the band Envoy in June of 1993. The music is set off with a cool-funk, full band sound and the intimacy of jazz; a truly unique melding of pop, jazz and classical styles. Envoy’s loftier side can be heard on the maiden CD release, “Stillness.” Recorded and mixed by Bernie Kirsh, who has worked extensively with Chic Corea, this CD features the utmost careful consideration to bring about the most authentic concert grand piano and vocal sound. Envoy live performances vary from trio to full band including violin and saxophone; performances are full of improv creating a new and evolving sound to keep audiences coming back for more.

Group Members Mark Emerson - Drums & Percussion/Lea Emerson - Piano & Vocals/Tony Green - Bass/John Moss - Vocals

Instruments Piano, Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Bass, Oboe, Saxophone, Electric Violin, Drums & Percussion

Albums Stillness

Press Reviews Campus Circle - When living in London a year ago, I used to frequent this little jazz club that featured a special “singer’s night” every Sunday. On occasion, the act would slant towards the blues or even towards a pop inspired kind of sound, leaving one to wonder what exactly constituted “jazz.” Envoy somewhat reminds me of one of these sort of bands. Defining itself as an “eclectic-avant band” which draws inspiration from sources as varied as folk, jazz, classical and pop. Envoy mixes jazz-like piano lines and pop type melodies to create a sound all its own. At its highest points, this sound reaches the power of Paula Cole and the proficiency of Tori Amos.One would expect the technical skill which accents every track on this record from the California based duo. Singer/pianist Lea Emerson spent years studying her craft, earning bachelors and masters degrees in piano performance while drummer/percussionist Mark Emerson combined a formal musical education with a lengthy stint as a drummer for numerous rock n’ roll outfits. The pair’s musical expertise, alongside the full year the two worked to perfect the album, create what is clearly a labor of love. Lea’s sensitive lyrics compliment this musicianship. On “Survival Right,” she entreats a lover, “can I trust you with my heart?” a question she also seems to be asking her listeners as she explores the nature of love relationships and self-revelation. Stillness is a unique, aesthetic album which requires a sentient ear, if you have it to give. Joni Templeton (UCLA) Music Connection - Envoy are a talented and eclectic duo who write and perform what could be best described as jazz-infused, new age-styled pop. Pianist/Vocalist Lea Emerson is an often invigorating singer who takes the worthy material to an even higher place. And while we have to wonder about the overall commercial possibilities here--radio formats being as strict as they are today--we are firm in our belief that these two deserve to be heard by the A&R community, even if this does appear to be a tougher sell than most. The Observer - Envoy’s debut CD, “Stillness,” begins with “To Your Heart.” This song’s gusto and expressiveness brings back reminders of Portland-based Quarterflash or Manhattan Transfer. The third song, “Power,” shows Lea’s range as a singer from whispery to power-packed. “Face of a Child” is a rapidfire song that shows Lea’s craftsmanship and passion as a songwriter. “Just As You Are” comes next, displaying musical imagination --and some oddball instrumentation. Lea’s vocal gymnastics and robust exuberance with memorable lyrics is in full view on “Costume for Our Souls.” “Stillness,” the title track, shows tonal nuance and again the group’s grasp of the importance of mood changes. “First Spring” gives the CD a very satisfying, upbeat instrumental ending. Despite Lea’s excellence in vocals, listeners by this time are crying out for a pure instrumental. This piece fills the need. It’s a blazing jam session for the senses, showing off perhaps best of any song the couple’s piano and percussion prowess.

Location Manhattan Beach, California - USA

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