Esperanza Spalding’s Breakthrough Album “Esperanza” Gets Its First Vinyl Release

Esperanza Spalding’s debut album, Junjo, came out in 2006, but her 2008 record Esperanza thrust her into the limelight. Her first label release spawned instant classics with “I Know You Know,” “Precious,” and “Cuerpo Y Alma.” Now, the album is getting its first vinyl release.

The Esperanza reissue will come in a 2LP set on Translucent Sea Blue or Eco-friendly Gold Blend vinyl in a package that will include new artwork and two bonus tracks from the original sessions: “O Bem Do Mar” and “Sunlight”.

Spalding has kept some of the songs in her live performances (check out this recent version of “I Know You Know”), but much of the music has been a rediscovery for her.

“I’m very grateful for this release of ‘Esperanza’ on vinyl,” she states. “Though we’ve played a couple of these songs over the years, I haven’t spent much time with these early songs and arrangements of mine since originally releasing them. It’s a joy to hear these older songs and recognize the seeds of many sounds and concepts that would gestate and come forth years later. Listening to the contributions of all the greats who grace this record fills my heart and spirit with immense gratitude. The gift of learning from and working with them early on continues to bless and influence my sense of self and sound. And the couple of songs that didn’t make it onto the original release are happy to be finally heard! May this format encourage slower more savorful listening.”

Revisit the infectious bass line and vocals on “Precious”:

The vinyl reissue of Esperanza will be out on November 13th. Visit Amazon or Concord Jazz to pre-order.

Esperanza Vinyl Track List

Side A

1. Ponta De Areia
2. I Know You Know
3. Fall In
4. I Adore You

Side B

1. Cuerpo Y Alma (Body & Soul)
2. She Got To You
3. Precious

Side C

1. Mela
2. Love In Time
3. Espera

Side D

1. If That’s True
2. Samba Em Preludio
3. O Bem Do Mar
4. Sunlight