Sixth-generation San Franciscan Essence Goldman, now performing as Essence & Gold Country, will celebrate the release of her new album, Father’s Daughter, with a special record release show at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Joining Essence & Gold Country for a roots-rich evening of Americana and country are Andres Cervantes, Jenny Kerr Band, The Dogweeds, Jacob Aranda, and Barry Sless.
Father’s Daughter finds Essence mining her life’s most vulnerable moments and emerging with songs that radiate grit and grace. The album is steeped in the rich traditions of Appalachian, Americana, and country music, drawing inspiration from storytelling icons like John Prine, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Carole King, Lucinda Williams, and Gillian Welch. At once deeply personal and universally relatable, it is an intimate account of grief, resilience, and renewal.
Recorded close to her Marin County home at Allegiant Records, the album is Essence’s debut on Los Angeles indie label Blue Élan Records. It was shaped by the profound influence of her late father—the single parent who raised her—and by the challenges of heartbreak, single motherhood, and rediscovering her voice as an artist. “Music has always been my saving grace,” Essence reflects. “This record is about grief, healing, resilience, and rebirth. I’ve never felt more connected to the music or to myself.”
Essence produced the album with David Simon-Baker (also behind her 2016 release Black Wings), Craig Morton, and Danny Uzilevsky. Recorded with a live band, the sessions gave rise to Gold Country, an ensemble featuring Uzilevsky and a stellar cast of players, creating a warm, roots-rich sound steeped in pedal steel, dobro, mandolin, and banjo. The other musicians on the album include Rob Hooper, Joe Kyle Jr., Barry Sless, Charley Paul, Jonathan Korty, Rachael Hoeim, Gary Kay, Maurice Tani, Andrew Gootnik, Blaine Sprouse, Darren Nelson, Jeremy D’Antonio, Paul Olguin, Elliot Peck, Jenny Kerr, Autumn Rhodes, Dave Zirbel, and Daniel Berkman.
The album includes the liberating anthem “Free,” the bittersweet title track, the rollicking co-write “Good Mom” (with Roger Rocha of 4 Non Blondes), and the duet “Quit You,” in the tradition of classic country pairings like Johnny & June and George & Tammy. Each song tells a story only life could teach—finding courage in heartbreak, reclaiming joy, and honoring her father’s enduring spirit.
Beyond her solo work, Essence’s journey includes major-label deals, national tours with artists like Shawn Colvin, Jason Mraz, Tom Petty, Sarah McLachlan, Chrissie Hynde, Pat Benatar, and Steve Miller, and a remarkable collaboration with the late Bernie Dalton. Their project Bernie and the Believers gained national attention with a moving NPR Tiny Desk Concert and is now the subject of a forthcoming feature film from Paramount and John Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co. Essence is also the founder of Believe Music Heals, a nonprofit dedicated to sharing the transformative power of music.
What: Essence & Gold Country — Father’s Daughter Album Release Party
When: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | Doors 7:00 PM, Show 7:30 PM
Where: Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley, CA
Who: Essence & Gold Country with special guests Andres Cervantes, Jenny Kerr Band, The Dogweeds, Jacob Aranda, and Barry Sless
Tickets: sweetwatermusichall.com
