rumpets blare, the bass enriches the tone and intermixing melodies resound creating a unique, sultry sound that is jazz. Its distinct melody distinguishes jazz from other musical genres. Upon hearing the notes you are transferred to another time and place. There is nothing typical about jazz or the artists who pour their soul into the creation of the resulting harmonious notes. Among the ranks of talented jazz musicians, making her mark on the world is 23-year-old Esperanza Spalding.
Spalding’s latest CD Esperanza features traditional jazz with a fresh new twist. As bassist, vocalist and composer Spalding combines the truest elements of jazz with soul, pop, and world music. On each track the multi-lingual singer skillfully intertwines her wide lyrical range with the bass line resulting in an unconventional form of jazz.
Elements of multiplicity extend beyond Spalding’s music. A native of Portland Oregon Spalding boasts Welsh, African American, Hispanic and Native American heritage. Being discontent in high school Spalding made the choice to leave and earn her GED at the age of 16. She then joined the music Program at Portland State University where her bass teacher encouraged her to apply to Berklee College of Music in Boston.
In 2005, after three years of financial difficulty and accelerated study at Berklee Spalding earned a B.M. and was offered a position as an instructor. At 20 years of age she became the youngest faculty member in the history of the college.
Her experiences at Berklee exposed Spalding to an array of musical networks. Taking advantage of her opportunities, Spalding has toured in Italy with Patti Austin and she has worked with several notable artists including pianist Michael Camilo, bassist Stanley Clarke and guitarist Path Metheny.
Spalding often attributes her success with music to a higher power than herself. However, Spalding may have inherited musical talent from her mother who was a talented vocalist whose professional career ended when she became a single parent. After watching classical cellist Yo Yo Ma perform on Mister Rogers Neighborhood at the age of 4, Spalding knew that she was interested in music. She then began to play the violin and after exhibited musical vigor Spalding earned a spot in The Chamber Music Society of Oregon.
The young musician has taken great care to learn and excel in her craft. Her experiences and dedication have proven her to be a progressive musician with forceful vocals offering the world a fresh take on an old tune.
The following youtube video provides a small sample of Esperanza’s extradionary musical talents. For more information regarding Esperanza visit her official website and myspace page.
By Dyani Vanderhorst
