2016 Reader Favorites – #10: Esperanza Spalding
2016 was a big year for Esperanza Spalding, who released her fifth album, Emily’s D+Evolution.
“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 told NPR about the new record. “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.”
News of the album was big, and Esperanza followed up with video releases throughout the year. Readers loved them, as we did, which landed Esperanza on this year’s top 10.
Esperanza Spalding released her fifth album, Emily’s D+Evolution, earlier this month. Here’s the official video for “One” from the new album. Love that bass tone and the vocals – as always.
2. Esperanza Spalding: Good Lava (Official)
Last year, Kevin featured a video of Esperanza Spalding “Good Lava” at Skype Live Studio. The song is one that is on Spalding’s upcoming Emily’s D+Evolution album, scheduled for release March 4th. Now there’s an official video for the track. Can’t wait for the album!
3. Esperanza Spalding: Unconditional Love
Esperanza Spalding recently visited the Skype Live Studio for 101.9 KINK FM’s broadcast and performed “Unconditional Love”. The song appears on Spalding’s fifth album, Emily’s D+Evolution.
4. Esperanza Spalding: On The Sunny Side of the Street
Esperanza Spalding may be leaning towards jazz-rock fusion for her upcoming album, but she can still perform jazz standards with the best of them. Get an earful as Spalding performs “On the Sunny Side of the Street” for President Obama and guests at the White House during the “Celebration of American Creativity 2016”.
5. Hal Crook, Featuring Esperanza Spalding: Never Again
Berklee recently celebrated the music of trombonist Hal Crook (who graduated Berklee in 1971). The lineup for this was pretty impressive, with Berklee alum Esperanza Spalding on vocals and bass, saxophonist Chris Cheek, pianist Leo Genovese, Lionel Loueke and drummer Antonio Sanchez. Here’s the group performing Crook’s tune “Never Again”.
6. Esperanza Spalding Releases Fifth Album
Bassist 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…