Esperanza
by: Esperanza Spalding
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Never mind that in 2005--at the age of 20--Esperanza Spalding became the youngest instructor in the history of Berklee College of Music. It's what's on wax that counts--or CD, or MP3, if preferred. On Esperanza, her debut set for Heads Up International, Spalding presents a prowess on the acoustic bass that many bassists with far more experience could be inspired by. Need proof? Check out "Mela," on which Spalding's chops on the upright are matched (if not exceeded) by her tangerine-and-honey vocals. There is a lilt in her voice that, to be sure, puts the blind optimism of her youth front and center. But who needs another jaded jazz singer? This multi-lingual set starts off with the mellow, mid-tempo "Ponta De Areia." From there Spalding winds her way through an appropriate group of mostly self-penned songs that are simultaneously sweet, commanding, calming, and intense. Of particular note are the hopeful "Espera," and her take on "Cuerpo y Alma" (the jazz standard "Body & Soul" in Spanish). And yes, purists, she can scat. Her name, Esparanza, is the Spanish word for "hope." Here's hope for a bright future and satisfying career following this wonderfully refreshing album. --Eric C.P. Martin
Album Description:
"Esperanza," bassist/vocalist/composer Esperanza Spalding'sdebut on Heads Up International, is set for worldwide release on May 20, 2008. Armed with uncanny instrumental chops, a siren voice that spans three languages, and composing and arranging skills that weave together the best elements of the old-school with the progressive, this 23-year-old has crafted a debut album that takes a completely fresh and refreshing approach to jazz by borrowing from the rich traditions of soul, pop, world music and so much more.
Esperanza is joined in the studio by a crew of A-list session players, including flamenco guitar virtuoso Niño Josele, percussionist Jamey Haddad, drummer Horacio "El Negro" Hernández, saxophonist Donald Harrison and several other seasoned talents - all of whom collectively serve as further evidence of the kind of creative energy and magnetism that she radiates.
Never mind that in 2005--at the age of 20--Esperanza Spalding became the youngest instructor in the history of Berklee College of Music. It's what's on wax that counts--or CD, or MP3, if preferred. On Esperanza, her debut set for Heads Up International, Spalding presents a prowess on the acoustic bass that many bassists with far more experience could be inspired by. Need proof? Check out "Mela," on which Spalding's chops on the upright are matched (if not exceeded) by her tangerine-and-honey vocals. There is a lilt in her voice that, to be sure, puts the blind optimism of her youth front and center. But who needs another jaded jazz singer? This multi-lingual set starts off with the mellow, mid-tempo "Ponta De Areia." From there Spalding winds her way through an appropriate group of mostly self-penned songs that are simultaneously sweet, commanding, calming, and intense. Of particular note are the hopeful "Espera," and her take on "Cuerpo y Alma" (the jazz standard "Body & Soul" in Spanish). And yes, purists, she can scat. Her name, Esparanza, is the Spanish word for "hope." Here's hope for a bright future and satisfying career following this wonderfully refreshing album. --Eric C.P. Martin
Album Description:
"Esperanza," bassist/vocalist/composer Esperanza Spalding'sdebut on Heads Up International, is set for worldwide release on May 20, 2008. Armed with uncanny instrumental chops, a siren voice that spans three languages, and composing and arranging skills that weave together the best elements of the old-school with the progressive, this 23-year-old has crafted a debut album that takes a completely fresh and refreshing approach to jazz by borrowing from the rich traditions of soul, pop, world music and so much more.
Esperanza is joined in the studio by a crew of A-list session players, including flamenco guitar virtuoso Niño Josele, percussionist Jamey Haddad, drummer Horacio "El Negro" Hernández, saxophonist Donald Harrison and several other seasoned talents - all of whom collectively serve as further evidence of the kind of creative energy and magnetism that she radiates.
Disc 1:
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: 
- first jazz album i every bought
i don't run straight to the store to buy a music cd yes i like jazz when i first heard this cdw i ent on amazon and bought it she has a beautiful relaxing voice and does not sing half naked or in a swim suit sings with class best jazz cd you can every buy classy
Rating: - Get this CD! But be warned...
... you might become addicted. I keep listening to this over and over and over... then I play it again. Everything is so "right" - the vocals, the melodies, the tight bass lines, the feel, I could go on. Oh yeah, her whole band sounds like an all-star cast. It's like audio honey. I had seen this artist in various music magazines as a promising new jazz talent, but wasn't prepared to be blown away like I was after I got this CD and actually heard her stuff. It's much more than a "jazz" album, it's ... Read More
Rating: - Love Esperanza!
A friend recommended this CD to me. I'd never heard of this artist and decided to check it out. I listened to some of the songs on the Amazon website and knew I would love this CD. I was not disappointed. I play it at home all the time. My kids even hum or sing along with it.
Rating: - Excellent
A beautiful lady with a great voice, muical skills in playing the bass...
simply great.
Rating: - Amazing!!
My Gosh! She is amazing. I discovered her looking for Brazilian Jazz CD's. I listen to this cd everyday.Talented beyong belief.Wonderful voice.Highly recommend.Would get her first CD, but it is a bit pricey on Amazon. She's better than some of the greats twice her age.
- first jazz album i every boughti don't run straight to the store to buy a music cd yes i like jazz when i first heard this cdw i ent on amazon and bought it she has a beautiful relaxing voice and does not sing half naked or in a swim suit sings with class best jazz cd you can every buy classy
- Get this CD! But be warned...... you might become addicted. I keep listening to this over and over and over... then I play it again. Everything is so "right" - the vocals, the melodies, the tight bass lines, the feel, I could go on. Oh yeah, her whole band sounds like an all-star cast. It's like audio honey. I had seen this artist in various music magazines as a promising new jazz talent, but wasn't prepared to be blown away like I was after I got this CD and actually heard her stuff. It's much more than a "jazz" album, it's ... Read More
- Love Esperanza!A friend recommended this CD to me. I'd never heard of this artist and decided to check it out. I listened to some of the songs on the Amazon website and knew I would love this CD. I was not disappointed. I play it at home all the time. My kids even hum or sing along with it.
- ExcellentA beautiful lady with a great voice, muical skills in playing the bass...
simply great.
- Amazing!!My Gosh! She is amazing. I discovered her looking for Brazilian Jazz CD's. I listen to this cd everyday.Talented beyong belief.Wonderful voice.Highly recommend.Would get her first CD, but it is a bit pricey on Amazon. She's better than some of the greats twice her age.
