Esperanza Spalding Releases Fifth Album

Esperanza Spalding: Emily’s D+EvolutionBassist and Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding’s newest album, Emily’s D+Evolution has arrived.

The album’s title refers to Spalding’s middle name, Emily. “. . . I’m using this fresh persona as my inner navigator. This project is about going back and reclaiming un-cultivated curiosity, and using it as a compass to move forward and expand. My hope for this group is to create a world around each song, there are a lot of juicy themes and stories in the music,” Spalding says.

The record, co-produced by Spalding and longtime David Bowie producer Tony Visconti (also a bassist), sees Spalding working primarily in a rock trio with guitarist Matthew Stevens (Christian Scott) and drummer Karriem Riggins (Madlib, Erykah Badu).

“I knew it was loud, and I knew it was electric. I knew when it wasn’t done, and I knew when it was. Beyond that, there wasn’t much of a plan,” Spalding tells NPR. “I sought out those musicians, and talked about what we wanted to convey or achieve — energetically, or the story, or the arc of the song. Fortunately the musicians were so adventurous and open and masterful that I think we were able to do something that really honors Emily’s aesthetic.”

You can get a taste of the record through the album trailer (first video). And, if you like what you hear, there’s “One” (second video) and, “Good Lava” (third video):

Emily’s D+Evolution is available on CD, vinyl and as a digital download (iTunes and Amazon MP3).

Emily’s D+Evolution Track List:

  1. Good Lava
  2. Unconditional Love
  3. Judas
  4. Earth To Heaven
  5. One
  6. Rest In Pleasure
  7. Ebony and Ivy
  8. Noble Nobles
  9. Farewell Dolly
  10. Elevate or Operate
  11. Funk The Fear
  12. I Want It Now
  13. Change Us (Deluxe edition)
  14. Unconditional Love (Alternate Version) (Deluxe Edition)

Get daily bass updates.

Get the latest news, videos, lessons, and more in your inbox every morning.

Leave a Reply to Steven LaValley Cancel reply

  1. Steven LaValley

    Reminds of an updated Joni Mitchell vibe.