Talent doesn’t come in a more concentrated form than Esperanza Spalding, a pixie-like 23-year-old bassist and vocalist who makes her U.S. debut as a bandleader here. Her playing, whether acoustic or electric, is scarily self-assured. Her singing, in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, has a breezily seductive appeal. So Esperanza would be an auspicious debut even if she didn’t sing and play at the same time—which, of course, she does, making it all seem easy. Her wordless vocalizing on an original samba like “I Adore You” would probably convince most listeners that she hails from Rio de Janeiro, instead of Portland, Ore. Ditto “Ponta de Areia,” the Milton Nascimento classic that opens the album. More narrative-driven tracks—like “Precious” and “I Know You Know”—suggest the supple, relationship-minded moments of neo-soul. Then there are the jazz burners like “If That’s True” (Roy Hargroveish instrumental R&B) and “Mela” (pan-Caribbean postbop). Like the basketball that shares her name, Spalding bounces around. But this album doesn’t make a slapdash show of eclecticism. Spalding has fashioned something cohesive and diverse, calling upon a strong coalition of musicians and the depths of her own skill. It’s clear Esperanza’s definitely got game—and has no hang-ups about showing it.
July 08, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
Esperanza Spalding, "Esperanza"
Breezily seductive appeal.
Article tags: Esperanza Spalding, Revolutions
Page printed from:
http://www.vibe.com/music/revolutions/2008/07/esperanza_spalding_esperanza/
Top 25 Stories
Featured Galleries
The Aftertaste: 2009 AMAs
VIBE eyed the best and worst looks from the 2009 American Music Awards, complete with commentary from our fashion whiz, Adrien Field.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs Birthday Celebration
Welcome to the Big 4-0, Diddy! VIBE gives you a look at Sean Combs' ultra-exclusive 40th birthday party at New York City's Plaza Hotel.
Welcome to the Big 4-0, Diddy! VIBE gives you a look at Sean Combs' ultra-exclusive 40th birthday party at New York City's Plaza Hotel.
Jennifer Lopez
Mounting a comeback under a new alias (Lola), VIBE takes a look back at J. Lo over the years.
Mounting a comeback under a new alias (Lola), VIBE takes a look back at J. Lo over the years.
Chris Brown Busts a Move
Chris Brown put his best moves on display at his fan appreciation concert at The Avalon in Los Angeles. Check out the flicks.
All Photos Shot By Hiltron Bailey
Michael Jackson Auction in NYC
VIBE takes you inside the Media Icon's Auction to see some of the late, great Michael Jackson's most prized collectibles. *Cue Kanye West's "Can't Tell Me Nothing"*
All photos shot by Jason Kempin (Getty Images)
The Princess and the Frog Premiere
See who came out to watch Disney crown its first animated Black princess. All photos shot by Hiltron Bailey.
See who came out to watch Disney crown its first animated Black princess. All photos shot by Hiltron Bailey.
50 Cent in 50 Shots
With his gritty album Before I Self Destruct dropping Nov. 16, VIBE shows 50 Fif faces.
With his gritty album Before I Self Destruct dropping Nov. 16, VIBE shows 50 Fif faces.
Turnin' Me On: Keri Hilson
Keri's click-snap game is on point. Check out this 20-plus photo gallery for proof...
Keri's click-snap game is on point. Check out this 20-plus photo gallery for proof...
Lady Gaga's Paparazzi
Pop music's most eccentric had a Monster year. Check out some highlights.
Pop music's most eccentric had a Monster year. Check out some highlights.
Halle Berry Gallery
One look at this photo gallery will show you why Hurricane Chris dedicated a song and dance to Halle.
One look at this photo gallery will show you why Hurricane Chris dedicated a song and dance to Halle.
Precious Premiere
The premiere of Tyler Perry's critically acclaimed motion picture brought out the biggest and brightest.
The premiere of Tyler Perry's critically acclaimed motion picture brought out the biggest and brightest.
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys is now “Sleeping With A Broken Heart," but we keep you awake with a gallery of her pics.
Alicia Keys is now “Sleeping With A Broken Heart," but we keep you awake with a gallery of her pics.
Rihanna: R U Ready?
With Rihanna's "Russian Roulette" heating up airwaves, we take a look at RiRi's best shots--all 56 of them!
With Rihanna's "Russian Roulette" heating up airwaves, we take a look at RiRi's best shots--all 56 of them!
Lebron James Photos
On and off the court, Lebron shows his savoir-faire.
On and off the court, Lebron shows his savoir-faire.
Chris Brown Pics
Chris Brown is on the comeback trail. Check out these snapshots of CB in his element.
Chris Brown is on the comeback trail. Check out these snapshots of CB in his element.
Beyoncé Gallery
From Destiny's Child to Dreamgirls to top diva, Beyoncé is the baddest B.
From Destiny's Child to Dreamgirls to top diva, Beyoncé is the baddest B.
home
