Esperanza Spalding

Esperanza means hope in spanish.

I could not possibly do justice in writing a review of Esperanza's new self-titled album. I do not have the skills like fine wine reviewers who tell me that the latest pinot noir has a hint of hazlenut the delivers a nicely rustic experience.

Listening and watching Esperanza is an experience.

Esperanza’s acoustic bass play is mesmerizing. Her jazz compositions are tantalizing. Her voice is sultry.

And her hair is wild.

Esperanza grew up in Portland, Oregan and was raised on "the other side of the track's. Naturally gifted she taught herself to play the violin before she discovered the bass. At 16 she enrolled in Portland State University, but things did not really start to happen for her until she enrolled at the Berklee College of Music where she also became their youngest instructor ever at age 20.

After listening to the above interview you realize how talented and smart Esperanza is.

"Those following jazz ought to keep an ear on the bassist ESPERANZA SPALDING, who is going about things her own way. She's got good tone and conservatory training, but so does everyone else these days. More important, she already sounds distinct. Essentially she's a singer, using both her instrument and her voice to similar ends. Her musicality is all integrated: The Esperanza Spalding experience is light, melodic, joyful, always sort of minimalist and airborne."

- Ben Ratliff, The New York Times

I just purchased her latest album from iTunes. She is now in my car as I travel to meet clients and I cannot listen to Cuerpo Y Alma enough.

I highly recommend you pick up this album.