Start with traditional Latin toss in a taste of southern Gospel and blend it all up with a hint of soul you'll have the sound of the extraordinary Teresa "Tess" Escoto. Her voice is soulful yet reflects the deep Latin roots from Texas to Mexico. She's a phenomenon to many because she can hold her own in both English and Spanish and sings traditional songs as well as belting out gospel.
Teresa started her career singing at her father's small church at the very young age of 4. By the time she was 9 she was already playing piano and helping lead worship. Even at that young age she was touching people lives and exciting audiences both young and old. At 9, she performed in the world renowned Calvary Chapel of Santa Ana, with world famous Chuck Smith as presiding pastor.
In the bayous of Louisiana, she honed her gospel ear and style, but when she moved from Arizona to Los Angeles she began her experience in Contemporary Gospel. Performing with the Gospel Musician Association of America, she met Rodena Preston, sister to Billy Preston and further anchored herself in the Gospel world. She started attending Andraé Crouch's church, New Christ Memorial in 1998. Seeing something very extraordinary in this young Latina Andraé took her under his wing exposed to various styles of music from Gospel and funk to European and Rock, as well as singing on his Christmas album and other commercial projects.
Tess was given the position as Youth Choir Ensemble director, at Andrae's church, with previous being director Olivia McClurkin, she had big shoes to fill -- she shaped and motivated the choir members and developed an outstanding praise team. During that time she started working on her own project Isaiah 61, opening for such acts as Crystal Lewis, Angelo & Veronica, Out Of Eden, and Marcos Barrientos.
Continuing to lead worship and build worship departments for various churches, in 2003 she formed GiG Productions with business partner platinum producer Jeff Arcio. Together they formed the Indy label Revealed Records. In 3 years the company has grown and boast a stable of talented artists all under the experience musical direction of Tess and Jeff's business experience.
She has performed with numerous artists which include Michael Jackson, Andraé Crouch, Crystal Lewis, Marilyn McCoo, Billy Graham to name a few... She has written songs or produce for Warner Bros artist Paul Rodriguez, CanZion Productions artist Vincente Montano and Gamaliel Ruiz as well as other gospel Latin artists.
Currently she is working on her own project of both English and Spanish songs of positive/spiritual music that has been accepted well by both secular and Christian audiences. Her sound has been described as blend of Gospel and Latin jazz. Her title track "Changes" reflects our uncertain times and expresses hope.
***New*** Living Word Assembly debuts CD September 2008*******
