ESPERANZA SPALDING: HEADS UP (2008) 4 Stars
There has been a lot of buzz around the young bassist and vocalist Spalding. I was curious; so I picked up her album to see if she was as good as I had heard she is. This is her second album and with this album she successfully melds jazz, decent singing, Latin music, soul and R&B. While she is joined by a rotating cast of musicians on this album, it is she who dominates. She plays terrific bass and sings in a sweet manner. You will find textures of Latin-flavored jazz compositions, combinations of tantalizing acoustic bass play, and sultry jazzy sounds. She sings in three languages - English, Spanish, and Portuguese. She plays bass, does the arranging, and acts as her own producer. And, she is only twenty-three years old. Now you may be surprised by the skill, precision & composure of this young artist, but don‘t be. She is clearly a prodigy...
This album is a tasty gem from the minute you press "play." “Ponta De Areia" is a breezy, infectious Spanish gem that blends her voice with a piano grooveline. “I Know You Know” is a real treat. It combines sultry, soulful sounds with some scatting, classic jazz, and the soft touch of a Caribbean beat. She writes and sings a straight ballad on “Fall In.” Her voice and the piano are all you hear, but it is gorgeous and melodic. And with “I Adore You”, she scats to the backdrop of a rich Brazilian Rhumba. To quote one review, “Spalding's bass part here is anything but basic, it's startling in its rhythmic and lyric invention as it adds another harmonic counterpart to the piano and percussive textures."
“She Got To You“ is a provocative number with a delightful saxophone, a quick tempo and driving percussion. “Precious” is a blend of soul and jazz (with an emphasis on soul) done beautifully. It should be on the radio. “Love In Time" showcases her voice over rich jazz tones, while “Mela” is a pure jazz session with a dazzling trumpet and piano solo and a terrific opening bass solo by Spalding.
Ms. Spalding’s latest album is indeed a fascinating display of special skill and talent. I encourage you to check out this album and enjoy this young, musically endowed, jazz artist. If you do so, you will not only find much to delight in, but plenty to be amazed by as well.
Check her out at http://esperanzaspalding.com/
There has been a lot of buzz around the young bassist and vocalist Spalding. I was curious; so I picked up her album to see if she was as good as I had heard she is. This is her second album and with this album she successfully melds jazz, decent singing, Latin music, soul and R&B. While she is joined by a rotating cast of musicians on this album, it is she who dominates. She plays terrific bass and sings in a sweet manner. You will find textures of Latin-flavored jazz compositions, combinations of tantalizing acoustic bass play, and sultry jazzy sounds. She sings in three languages - English, Spanish, and Portuguese. She plays bass, does the arranging, and acts as her own producer. And, she is only twenty-three years old. Now you may be surprised by the skill, precision & composure of this young artist, but don‘t be. She is clearly a prodigy...
This album is a tasty gem from the minute you press "play." “Ponta De Areia" is a breezy, infectious Spanish gem that blends her voice with a piano grooveline. “I Know You Know” is a real treat. It combines sultry, soulful sounds with some scatting, classic jazz, and the soft touch of a Caribbean beat. She writes and sings a straight ballad on “Fall In.” Her voice and the piano are all you hear, but it is gorgeous and melodic. And with “I Adore You”, she scats to the backdrop of a rich Brazilian Rhumba. To quote one review, “Spalding's bass part here is anything but basic, it's startling in its rhythmic and lyric invention as it adds another harmonic counterpart to the piano and percussive textures."
“She Got To You“ is a provocative number with a delightful saxophone, a quick tempo and driving percussion. “Precious” is a blend of soul and jazz (with an emphasis on soul) done beautifully. It should be on the radio. “Love In Time" showcases her voice over rich jazz tones, while “Mela” is a pure jazz session with a dazzling trumpet and piano solo and a terrific opening bass solo by Spalding.
Ms. Spalding’s latest album is indeed a fascinating display of special skill and talent. I encourage you to check out this album and enjoy this young, musically endowed, jazz artist. If you do so, you will not only find much to delight in, but plenty to be amazed by as well.
Check her out at http://esperanzaspalding.com/
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