Esperanza Spalding is more than a good jazz musician she’s a musician good for jazz. Performing Wednesday night at New York City’s JVC Jazz Festival, the 23-year-old bassist/vocalist along with her group – Leonardo Genovese (piano); Ricardo Vogt (guitar/vocals); Otis Brown III (drums) – challenged all conventional notions of jazz performance. And even though some audience members snuck away throughout her set – a small slight Spalding took great pleasure in calling out – it was only because Spalding is anything but a jazz traditionalist.
As she strutted out on stage to her original composition “I Adore You”, Spalding looked just as ready for a Soul Train line as she did for her introduction of sorts to an audience of jazz purists. Her lithe alto soared from the microphone as she sang indiscernible, but soulful arpeggios, and the rich, deep timbre of her bass (Spalding sings and plays bass simultaneously) bottomed out the band’s soulful vamping. From that point forward, Spalding and company were making a statement: Keep up.
Fortunately, Spalding didn’t need to do anything extra to make the crowd follow her lead. Sure, the take-out-your-camera-phone sized Afro and cute –if awkward – dances she does to every note helps keep all eyes on her, but both were quickly overshadowed by what the ears were hearing. Her interpretation of the jazz standard, “Body and Soul” gave only a slight nod to tradition, but for the most part was wholly original with its atypical 5/4 time signature and catchy swing groove. And when Spalding broke into originals like “She Got To You”, she demonstrated her ability to push the music forward with contemporary lyricism set against her rhythm section’s dance-friendly upbeat shuffle.
By the end of the set, Spalding proved why she is as in demand in non-traditional jazz settings – she has performed on the Late Show With David Letterman and The Roots Family Picnic – as she is in places such as the JVC Jazz Festival. The traditions of jazz are something Spalding is more than familiar with, but with an entrancing voice and superior bass playing, the challenge to push the music forward is one she is more than capable of handling.
Esperanza Spalding’s album, Esperanza (Heads Up), is in stores now.
Set List
“I Adore You”
“Body and Soul”
“Winter Sun”
“She Got To You”
“Wild Is The Wind”
“O Bem No Mar”
June 27, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
Esperanza Spalding at the JVC Jazz Festival New York
Bassist/vocalist bucks jazz tradition with style and substance
Article tags: The Roots
Page printed from:
http://www.vibe.com/news/online_exclusives/2008/06/esperanza_spalding_at_the_jvc_jazz_festival_new_york/
Top 25 Stories
Featured Galleries
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.
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
