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Esperanza | 
| Artist: Esperanza Spalding
Label: Heads Up
Category: Music
List Price: $11.98
Buy New: $7.77
You Save: $4.21 (35%)
New (44) Used (14) from $7.22
Rating:  49 reviews
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.1
Dimensions (in): 5.4 x 4.9 x 0.4
MPN: 3140
UPC: 053361314026
EAN: 0053361314026
Release Date: May 20, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: BRAND NEW, Factory Sealed items direct from the Studios. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Quick International Airmail!
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| Tracks:
| • | Ponta De Areia | | • | I Know You Know | | • | Fall In | | • | I Adore You | | • | Cuerpo y Alma | | • | She Got To You | | • | Precious | | • | Mela | | • | Love In Time | | • | Espera | | • | If That's True | | • | Samba Em Preludio |
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| Editorial Reviews:
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
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.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 44 more reviews...
 Esperanza December 31, 2008
Charlie Bass (Denver, CO United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Wow - Letterman coined her the coolest guest ever on his show and I agree. Great find for those who love jazz with an infrequent nod to pop. All in all, latin jazz at its best and with the ability to appeal to many music lovers of other genre.
 Overrated, Overproduced, And Overhyped December 29, 2008
J. Rich
0 out of 6 found this review helpful
I'm not impressed with this recording at all. Shame on Concord for promoting such a talentless hack. The album is marred by a way too slick production. There are jazz musicians who have been dead for 30 to 40 years that deserve more acclaim and promotion than this waste of space.
There's only one good thing this album is good for: a drink coaster. This album is all hype. No real jazz musicianship here. If you want to check out a real jazz vocalist check out Shirley Horn, Diana Krall, or Cassandra Wilson.
Absolute Bliss! December 17, 2008
Juniel Miller (Charlotte, NC USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This album has been my favorite buy in 2008. Besides the fact that she is very young, she gives insight for what "Good" music is now and will be in the world of jazz. She gives new breath to the jazz industry, and she is the best solo basist around second to Marcus Miller.
The album took me in a direction that I did not expect, deserviing "absolute bliss" in my eyes and ears.
What a New Inspiration to Jazz December 11, 2008
Gus King (Atlanta, GA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Ms.Esperanza Spaulding,
Your CD is truly a breathe of Fresh Air.....I heard your song precious home on my Direct TV Jazz Channel and then in Joffery's Coffee Shop. Your voice is a beautiful instrument that compliments your musicianship and craft truly unique and a great inspiration to jazz music. so I bought the CD and I was jsut amazed and blown away at such great music....WOW!!!!
 Uncommon correlatives December 10, 2008
mateo52 (State College, Pa.)
It's not at all uncommon with jazz purists - I cannot count myself among them - to reach the conclusion any female vocalist lacking the skills to scat, should be advised to do exactly that...get off the stage or away from the microphone. No one need to tell Esperanza Spalding to move one inch.
This eponymously named second album is a showcase, not only of her Flora Purimesque vocalizations but equally as much for her Bass chops. I picked up this CD because as one of those meant to embarrass blind sound quizzes your more knowledgeable friends spring on you , I thought the bassist on "If that's True" was Ray Brown. Imagine my surprise to discover, not only could she finger, but she sang out of this world. Different platform of course, but she is a Tony Williams of a new generation. Somewhere, Milton Nascimento is smiling after hearing Ponte De Ariea, thinking to himself, that's precisely what I intended.
But don't take my word for it. Pick up the CD, create a playlist alternating this young artist with the two I mentioned above. You figure out who's who with either instrument.
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