Anyone who loves jazz and contemplates its future should become acquainted with Esperanza Spalding. Wise for her 23 years, this former child prodigy is the new face of jazz -- multicultural, hip, innovative, full of poise, and crazy talented. A vocalist, bass player, composer, and bandleader, Spalding is bridging the gap between jazz and her generation. Her self-titled sophomore album and international debut on Heads Up offers a very cool and fresh take on contemporary jazz as both a free-flowing and tightly structured form that lends itself to an amalgam of styles spread across neo-soul pop structures, lilting Brazilian grooves, rhythmic Afro-Cuban swing, and truckloads of originality. Set for worldwide release on May 20, the twelve tracks are a combination of compositions Spalding herself penned, others culled from the Brazilian songbook, and some American jazz standards. Words seems trite in describing Spalding's dynamism in the studio and onstage. I will say this: She's accompanied by some stellar, international musicians. Spanish flamenco guitarist Niño Josele, Cuban jazz drummer El Negro Hernandez, percussionist Jamey Haddad, and saxophonist Donald Harrison, amongst others, are some of the luminaries that embellish the disc. If this is only the beginning for Spalding, imagine what the future holds.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Esperanza Spalding Makes Jazz Hip Again
Anyone who loves jazz and contemplates its future should become acquainted with Esperanza Spalding. Wise for her 23 years, this former child prodigy is the new face of jazz -- multicultural, hip, innovative, full of poise, and crazy talented. A vocalist, bass player, composer, and bandleader, Spalding is bridging the gap between jazz and her generation. Her self-titled sophomore album and international debut on Heads Up offers a very cool and fresh take on contemporary jazz as both a free-flowing and tightly structured form that lends itself to an amalgam of styles spread across neo-soul pop structures, lilting Brazilian grooves, rhythmic Afro-Cuban swing, and truckloads of originality. Set for worldwide release on May 20, the twelve tracks are a combination of compositions Spalding herself penned, others culled from the Brazilian songbook, and some American jazz standards. Words seems trite in describing Spalding's dynamism in the studio and onstage. I will say this: She's accompanied by some stellar, international musicians. Spanish flamenco guitarist Niño Josele, Cuban jazz drummer El Negro Hernandez, percussionist Jamey Haddad, and saxophonist Donald Harrison, amongst others, are some of the luminaries that embellish the disc. If this is only the beginning for Spalding, imagine what the future holds.
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this girl just blew my mind on letterman tonight! you go girl.
ReplyDeleteSchaffer's compliment that she's "The coolest person ever" on Letterman was confirmed. My wife and I were speechless. Her future, and that of great music, is solid! God bless you, Ms. Spalding!
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