In just a few years, The Essentials have moved from their humble beginnings in a parking lot of an ice cream shop in London, Ontario, to international acclaim as one of the "finest a cappella groups in the world". Their unique arrangements of songs from the 50's to modern day have won the respect of fans everywhere. They have performed with some of the most respected names in the entertainment industry including Little Richard, The Platters and Burton Cummings, to name a few. Their first two independent CDs have helped to spread the word of their talent around the world have sold thousands to fans on every continent. In collaboration with legendary music producer, Jack Richardson, The Essentials’ first CD, "Oh What A Night!' " took no time at all to reach the top of the indie charts and created a huge demand for a follow up album. The result was a second CD "The Essentials ...And Then Some " which garnered the group a host of glowing reviews and several prestigious industry nominations. With two consecutive home runs, the group decided to try a little twist. They recorded a live show in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario and the result was their third album "The 'Bare' Essentials". In 2000, The Essentials were cast in the CBS movie “A Holiday Romance”, starring Andy Griffith, Naomi Judd, and Gerald McRaney. More recently, they were cast in a national ad campaign for Bell XpressVu, which featured them singing the Canadian National Anthem. This sparked several invitations from both the Toronto Raptors as well as the Toronto Blue Jays to sing both the U.S. and Canadian anthems at their home games. Currently, The Essentials are based in Toronto and are working on their 4 th CD. A release date has not yet been confirmed but is expected for early 2008. Until then, The Essentials will continue to perform and sell out shows across North America. With the support of those who know them already, and the enthusiasm of the thousands who will discover them this year, The Essentials will continue to enjoy what they do like no other group . . . sing! Quick FACTS about The Essentials • Part of a national ad campaign for Bell XpressVu • Principal role in CBS Movie “A Holiday Romance” Starring Andy Griffith • National Anthem performances at the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Blue Jays games • Sold over 50,000 copies of their 3 CDs • Teamed up with legendary producer Jack Richardson (Guess Who, Bob Seger) • Sold out performances world wide • Shared stage or opening acts for: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, The Platters, Little Richard, Burton Cummings, Holy Cole, The Persuasions.