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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0053361314026 Label: Heads Up Manufacturer: Heads Up Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: Heads Up Release Date: May 20, 2008 Sales Rank: 452 Studio: Heads Up
Album Description: "Esperanza," bassist/vocalist/composer Esperanza Spalding's debut 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.
Amazon.com: 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
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Esperanza
I had so much fun listening to this disc! I've had it in heavy rotation since June and each time I listen, I hear some nuance that I missed the previous time.
Esperanza's voice is very pleasant and she doesn't oversell or overtax her vocals which works perfectly with her songs. I loved the instrumental tracks equally as much as those with vocals because it's a new experience for me listening to music with this instrument at the forefront. (It was also something to see such a slight female handling such a large unexpected instrument on the Letterman show so that piqued my interest ... Read More
Rating: - good but too repetitive
Esperanza sings as a Brazilian singer, she has swing, very talented but sometime her sound is too repetitive. After 6 musics you feel like you have already listened. Perhaps if you can buy songs one by one you make better business.
Rating: - esperanza CD
The CD was received very timely and in excellent condition! Brand new. I would definitely recommend this seller.
Rating: - great cd
Very well record, great voice, and very good brasilians songs. Who like jazz and boss nova will like this cd.
Rating: - The #1 album in a more perfect world
Bassist-singer Esperanza Spalding's self-titled CD starts like a warm breeze. "Ponta de Areia", like many of the songs, has a playful spirit. The music (on all songs) is both accessible and musical. I didn't figure out the chords to any of the songs or anything, but they combine pop accessibility with jazz depth. Esperanza sings both in Portuguese and wordlessly on this tune. "I Know You Know" is the first of the English songs about relationships. Her lyric-writing isn't as deep as the music, but has some good lyrical phrases. "I Know You Know" has a deeper funk feel. "Fall In" is a duet ... Read More
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