ESG

ESG, short for Emerald, Sapphire and Gold, is a US art-funk group from The Bronx, New York City. Formed in 1978, the band becomes associated with the late 1970s and early 1980s no wave and post-punk scene in New York, while its stripped-down, rhythmic sound also connects it to dance music, funk, hip-hop and house.

Formation and early years

The group begins with the four Scroggins sisters: Deborah on bass and vocals, Marie on congas and vocals, Renee on vocals and guitar, and Valerie on drums. Their mother buys the band’s instruments while they are still teenagers, and they teach themselves to play before starting to perform in clubs and live venues. Line-up changes follow over time, including musicians who are neighbours, daughters of original members, and male band members. The group also includes Leroy Glover, Tito Libran, Chistelle Scroggins and Nicole Scroggins at different points.

Ed Bahlman of 99 Records takes an early interest in the band and works with them as manager and producer. Through that connection, ESG enters the no wave and post-punk circles around New York, despite a sound that is less abrasive than many of their contemporaries. Bahlman also books the group at punk clubs, where it becomes part of the underground New York scene.

Recordings and sampling

After a series of singles and EPs in the late 1970s and early 1980s, ESG records with Factory Records producer Martin Hannett in 1981, when he is in the area working on A Certain Ratio’s first album, To Each. The 1981 six-song ESG 12-inch on 99 Records includes “UFO,” a track that becomes especially widely sampled, along with other music from the release. The record becomes a sought-after vinyl item among DJs.

The band’s first full-length album is Come Away with ESG, released in 1983. ESG’s music becomes heavily sampled across later years, particularly by hip-hop artists and producers. Acts associated with these samples include TLC, Wu-Tang Clan, Beastie Boys, Big Daddy Kane, Gang Starr, Tricky, Jay Dee on Donuts, and indie rock acts such as Unrest and Liars.

Breakup, reformation and later releases

ESG disbands shortly after 99 Records closes in 1984. The label’s collapse follows legal and financial stress linked to a dispute over sampling involving Liquid Liquid’s “Optimo.” ESG reforms in the early 1990s and issues a self-titled 1991 compilation of earlier material. The group responds to the issue of sampling with the 1992 12-inch EP Sample Credits Don’t Pay Our Bills. ESG Live! follows in 1995 and combines older and newer material.

Although the band plays what is described as a final show in 2007, it reforms again in 2008 and returns to live performance at Santos House Party in New York. ESG remains active.