Este Loves Weaves Her Magic at Zen Fest

[Tiny little Zen Fest rolled into All World Acres in Plant City for the seventh time February 8-9-10, and once again it exceeded all expectations. The stage is minuscule, the camping space slightly expanded but still small, and the crowds were modest, but none of that is reflective of the wonderful music and community which poured out.]

Last year, Este Loves came to open mic but did not have a scheduled appearance. She did this year. In fact, she led the Friday night campfire jam that continued well past dawn. I have opined regularly that Este Loves consistently delivers world-class sets. Initially, I wanted to say it was regardless of the people she has gathered to perform with her, and I have confirmed that it doesn’t matter who plays; they all become swept up in her radiance and vibes.

This particular collective was truly all-star in quality, beginning with the husband-and-wife team from Come Back Alice, Dani Jaye and Tony Tyler. Dani and Este have a regular Sunday night gig at The Grateful Fed in St. Petersburg. Justin Davis from Between Bluffs and Sonic Stew played upright bass, and Ash Lynne was there on backing vocals. When a snafu left Este without a drummer at the last moment, Adam Horwitz, who has accompanied Este before, jumped in with his cajon.

And you would never have known this wasn’t a regularly working ensemble. She began with “Bump in the Road,” funny in that there were none in this set. Many of Este’s songs weave together several different elements, such as the second tune, “Welcome to the Party.” You might have thought the song was called “In the Moment,” or even possibly “Here to Stay,” as the band moved seamlessly from one element to the other — a self-contained medley of sorts. “If we want it, we can do it” was the theme of “This Too Shall Pass.” It was honestly only then that I noticed the guitar player dishing out fabulous licks; of course it was Tony Tyler!

Este and Dani Jaye are so perfect together musically; Dani’s violin and background vocals were a great addition to every song. And Este sings, dances, bounces, and plays acoustic guitar with abandon. There was a reggae lilt to “Freedom” with the refrain “These are the best days of our lives.” Este does a fascinating hip hop delivery to some lyrics, and that shone through on “Destiny’s Unfolding” as she encouraged us to “Push your limits out of the way.” In the back, Horwitz and cajon sounded like a whole drum kit. That’s the sort of influence Este wields.

“Skinny-dippin’” melted into “All I Wanna Do is Boogie with You,” which featured a masterful slide guitar solo by Tyler. “Rouxter” contained that uplifting lyric “I must have done some right to have a friend like you.” These songs just get down deep inside of you; they certainly do me. “A Little Life Under the Moonlight” evolved into “Red Judy” and then “Embrace Yourself.” MC Nook joined in on a quick rap as Este slowed it down a little with “You Get Me High,” but then she turned right around and kicked it back into high gear with “Searchin’,” a real shitkicker that provided plenty of space for solos by Dani and Tyler before a well-deserved nod to Davis on bass.

Throughout the set, the vocals were magnificent. Este had lead, Ash Lynne on lots of harmonies, Dani full up in the mix, and even Tyler joining in on occasion. This was a completely glorious hour and a half of magic, and we all felt it. That vibe snares everybody — on and off stage.

The video below is not from Zen Fest but is a perfect example of the magic that occurs when Este Loves performs.

ESTE LOVES
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