Esperanza is the cure!
three weeks ago i got to see my first concert of 2011. i was really excited that nite because it was an opportunity to spend time with a sexy lady that really gets my blood flowing. i took my wife to see Esperanza Spalding. i was especially delighted because i really love her and have written before about how much (click here). i'm talking about Esperanza not my wife. oh wait, i love her too! it was also a "date nite" for us. and we don't have many of those. (read about last date nite here). i guess i can say that i was lucky to be able to spend the evening with two wonderful ladies that i love :-)
i am also very happy to remind everyone that
before the Grammy's, i knew that she was up for the award but i wasn't rooting for her to win. no, i'm not a Beiber fan. you see, if she won, it might jinx her like it did some of the past winners in that very same Grammy category. the award has previously gone to the likes of Milli Vanilli and Christopher Cross. see what i mean? consequently, i was rooting for the Beibs to win. (so he would go away like so many of the other "winners")
but now, after the awards, i am going to say that Esperanza won because she deserves it. yes, that's right, the Grammy's got one right! for a change. Esperanza will not go away quickly. her talent transcends fads. and teeny boppers. and all crappy pop music. Spalding is the first jazz musician to ever win the Best New Artist Grammy. and that is a pretty big deal. and what's even better is that she beat down the evil menace that is Beiber Fever! Esperanza is the cure!
if you know of anyone out there who needs treatment for their Beiber affliction, don't hesitate to expose them to the new album by Esperanza Spalding called Chamber Music Society
i bought the new album via digital download not long after it came out. it is NOT a smooth jazz record or a pop music record. it is not exactly classical orchestra music but it does have many of the same elements. obviously Esperanza's style is better appreciated by older folks with experienced ears. not like the Beiber army of youngin's. CMS is a refreshing blast of originality in the jazz world and a LOUD knock on the door for traditional chamber music. i like it because it is so original and beautiful. the core band joining Esperanza on these songs includes a trio of strings: violin, viola and cello; along with the only holdover from her last band, pianist Leo Genovese. it is definitely the closest thing to a classical album that i have ever paid money for. but it is jazz too. her voice is so soulful and her bass playing just plain amazes me. the songs are very emotional and intimate. basically, it is just all very good music that doesn't belong in any one category. which is exactly what i like! i think this album is a strong step forward for an artist who is almost too talented for a mainstream audience. it is her voice and beauty that gets people's attention. then it is her compositions that keep them coming back.
Esperanza said in an interview that she thought of these songs as music you would kick back and enjoy while relaxing in a comfortable chair with some good wine. i guess that explains why she did just that to open the show. Esperanza came out in front of the curtains wearing an overcoat. she then acted as if no one was there. the huge crowd in front of her was dead quiet except for a couple a of people giggling. no one knew exactly what she was doing. there she was, this petite young lady with the whole jazz world in her hands, and she was drinking wine by herself in a chair next to a lamp while the rest of us were waiting on a concert to begin.
in fact, it had begun. Esperanza successfully set the mood she wanted by recreating her album cover right there on stage. the strings gently began our journey into the first song as Esperanza slowly made her way to the middle of stage. from that opening moment on, the audience was all in. we were captivated by the beauty and power of this music. everyone was along for the ride.
in fact the whole show was kinda intimate despite a sold-out crowd. that is a credit to the venue. The Jefferson Center is indeed a superb place for a concert. Kudos again to that place! it is perfect for concerts and more. the Jeff even has the full support of Esperanza in their drive to get more members. view the video she made promoting the membership drive HERE
that intimate mood kind of influenced my picture-taking activity also. first of all, i left my good camera in the car (like a dumbass). so i had my small one, but i didn't get many photos anyway even tho i was close to the front. it just didn't feel right to be snapping away so close to the stage in such a hyper-sensitive emotional performance. so, regardless of what i said about taking pics last time i saw ES (read it here), i actually held back this time. all 5 of my non-blurry pics are included in this post. i found some much better photos from the concert available to view here.
in fact, Esperanza hardly talked at all during the show. she was all bizness. her eyes were closed most of the time. totally focused on the mood and the performance. she played percussion on the side of her acoustic bass as it sat on the stage during one song. the only time she really let loose was when she soloed on the bass or when she stretched her voice out all over her range. which is impressive. this show was really a vocal tour de force of moods and nuances. Esperanza has grown a lot as vocalist since i saw her 2 years ago.
the new songs were the focus and everyone played their parts with dedication and emotion. there was a vocal duet too, Esperanza with her backup vocalist. the two ladies really shined on that one. there was a BIG response from the crowd. i also have to say that the drummer was freaking amazing.
the songs of Chamber Music Society are well-crafted lyrically as well as musically. one of the best songs is "apple blossom". i didn't exactly understand what it was about until i saw Esperanza perform it. she sang an emotional story of a loving couple losing a child. grown up subjects for grown up music. i was wondering if she would perform that song live because it has a male singer on the album version. but Esperanza didn't have anyone sing with her, instead she assumed all the vocal parts and even put down her bass and moved around with the microphone during that song. she did that a couple of times during the show.
i was gonna say that this was the first time that i have ever seen a band (non-classical and non-bluegrass) with a string section. but that was before i remembered that i did see the Electric Light Orchestra back in the early 80's. when i was like 12 or something. it was quite a spectacle of cool lights and big sounds. Esperanza's string section did not have any lighted bows or white cellos or laser lights. they meant business, but with perfect notes and sheet music on stands to keep it all together. they also had wonderful dynamics which is needed for this music. it is very dramatic. these instruments are essential to delivering this music the way it should be.
Esperanza's bass playing was awesome as usual. she is truly amazing in her dexterity. i dig the improv soloing. but this concert was so much more complex and rehearsed than the show i saw 2 years ago. instead of doing covers and older material, Esperanza stuck with the album exclusively. all album cuts. it was the album straight thru. no pausing. and no intermission. i really like how it was arranged but my fanatic tendencies had me wishing for a story or two like last time. she didn't even talk about her shows with Prince. wouldn't it be great to see her play with his purple-ness? those jam sessions had to be amazing. plus, i know Esperanza does a version of "if i was your girlfriend". i really wanted to see her perform that. but this wasn't the right setting for that kind of song.
i must offer a couple of notes on ES's appearance: i heard a couple of people mention her hair and how there is LOTS of it! and they were right. it is quite impressive to see such a massive amount of hair on such a little body. ES is also very thin. so thin, in fact, that i found myself wishing she would eat a cheeseburger or something. does that girl eat? there is quite a contrast between her small stature and thin frame and that huge instrument she plays which is the biggest one on stage. at least she knows what she is doing.
the biggest difference in Esperanza's performance since the last time she was here is her development as a singer and a frontwoman. it is clear she is gaining a confidence in her on-stage performance. she even did some choreographed dancing. i am not gonna say that she is "going Hollywood". that's for the Beibers of the world. not my girl Esperanza. she is a real musician. a Grammy is just a Grammy. no big whoop.
after the Chamber Music Society songs were done, it was over. Esperanza went back to the chair and the coat. she turned off the light and the party was over.
then after cheers and applause and screams and more applause, there was 1 more song.....
the aforementioned pianist Leo Genovese, who also played in the last version of her band, was the only man in the group. he has a "good gig" as David Letterman told him after they performed "winter sun" on CBS's LATE SHOW. Leo obviously works well with Esperanza and has clearly developed a great bond with her over the last few years. the only song played for an encore was a version of "fall in" sung by Esperanza accompanied only by Genovese's piano. it was the only song from the 'Esperanza' album played that nite. i wanted to hear more. but the show was over. time flies when you're having fun.
not that i am complaining. not at all. i loved the concert! my wife enjoyed it as well. i am just getting ahead of myself by hoping to hear more music than what i have already heard. i hoped that i could hear something brand new from the next album called Radio Music Society. it is supposed to be funkier and has an appearance by Q-Tip. i also want to hear her version of the Disney song "Chim-Chimaree" which is on some tribute record. and still nothing about Prince? she recently played those shows with the purple one on the Welcome 2 America tour. yes even Prince has blessed her. then it is proven: Esperanza is the cure!
i am also very happy to remind everyone that
ESPERANZA SPALDING WON THE
BEST NEW ARTIST GRAMMY AWARD
before the Grammy's, i knew that she was up for the award but i wasn't rooting for her to win. no, i'm not a Beiber fan. you see, if she won, it might jinx her like it did some of the past winners in that very same Grammy category. the award has previously gone to the likes of Milli Vanilli and Christopher Cross. see what i mean? consequently, i was rooting for the Beibs to win. (so he would go away like so many of the other "winners")
but now, after the awards, i am going to say that Esperanza won because she deserves it. yes, that's right, the Grammy's got one right! for a change. Esperanza will not go away quickly. her talent transcends fads. and teeny boppers. and all crappy pop music. Spalding is the first jazz musician to ever win the Best New Artist Grammy. and that is a pretty big deal. and what's even better is that she beat down the evil menace that is Beiber Fever! Esperanza is the cure!
if you know of anyone out there who needs treatment for their Beiber affliction, don't hesitate to expose them to the new album by Esperanza Spalding called Chamber Music Society
CLICK HERE TO GET IT!
i bought the new album via digital download not long after it came out. it is NOT a smooth jazz record or a pop music record. it is not exactly classical orchestra music but it does have many of the same elements. obviously Esperanza's style is better appreciated by older folks with experienced ears. not like the Beiber army of youngin's. CMS is a refreshing blast of originality in the jazz world and a LOUD knock on the door for traditional chamber music. i like it because it is so original and beautiful. the core band joining Esperanza on these songs includes a trio of strings: violin, viola and cello; along with the only holdover from her last band, pianist Leo Genovese. it is definitely the closest thing to a classical album that i have ever paid money for. but it is jazz too. her voice is so soulful and her bass playing just plain amazes me. the songs are very emotional and intimate. basically, it is just all very good music that doesn't belong in any one category. which is exactly what i like! i think this album is a strong step forward for an artist who is almost too talented for a mainstream audience. it is her voice and beauty that gets people's attention. then it is her compositions that keep them coming back.
Esperanza said in an interview that she thought of these songs as music you would kick back and enjoy while relaxing in a comfortable chair with some good wine. i guess that explains why she did just that to open the show. Esperanza came out in front of the curtains wearing an overcoat. she then acted as if no one was there. the huge crowd in front of her was dead quiet except for a couple a of people giggling. no one knew exactly what she was doing. there she was, this petite young lady with the whole jazz world in her hands, and she was drinking wine by herself in a chair next to a lamp while the rest of us were waiting on a concert to begin.
in fact the whole show was kinda intimate despite a sold-out crowd. that is a credit to the venue. The Jefferson Center is indeed a superb place for a concert. Kudos again to that place! it is perfect for concerts and more. the Jeff even has the full support of Esperanza in their drive to get more members. view the video she made promoting the membership drive HERE
that intimate mood kind of influenced my picture-taking activity also. first of all, i left my good camera in the car (like a dumbass). so i had my small one, but i didn't get many photos anyway even tho i was close to the front. it just didn't feel right to be snapping away so close to the stage in such a hyper-sensitive emotional performance. so, regardless of what i said about taking pics last time i saw ES (read it here), i actually held back this time. all 5 of my non-blurry pics are included in this post. i found some much better photos from the concert available to view here.
in fact, Esperanza hardly talked at all during the show. she was all bizness. her eyes were closed most of the time. totally focused on the mood and the performance. she played percussion on the side of her acoustic bass as it sat on the stage during one song. the only time she really let loose was when she soloed on the bass or when she stretched her voice out all over her range. which is impressive. this show was really a vocal tour de force of moods and nuances. Esperanza has grown a lot as vocalist since i saw her 2 years ago.
the new songs were the focus and everyone played their parts with dedication and emotion. there was a vocal duet too, Esperanza with her backup vocalist. the two ladies really shined on that one. there was a BIG response from the crowd. i also have to say that the drummer was freaking amazing.
the songs of Chamber Music Society are well-crafted lyrically as well as musically. one of the best songs is "apple blossom". i didn't exactly understand what it was about until i saw Esperanza perform it. she sang an emotional story of a loving couple losing a child. grown up subjects for grown up music. i was wondering if she would perform that song live because it has a male singer on the album version. but Esperanza didn't have anyone sing with her, instead she assumed all the vocal parts and even put down her bass and moved around with the microphone during that song. she did that a couple of times during the show.
i was gonna say that this was the first time that i have ever seen a band (non-classical and non-bluegrass) with a string section. but that was before i remembered that i did see the Electric Light Orchestra back in the early 80's. when i was like 12 or something. it was quite a spectacle of cool lights and big sounds. Esperanza's string section did not have any lighted bows or white cellos or laser lights. they meant business, but with perfect notes and sheet music on stands to keep it all together. they also had wonderful dynamics which is needed for this music. it is very dramatic. these instruments are essential to delivering this music the way it should be.
Esperanza's bass playing was awesome as usual. she is truly amazing in her dexterity. i dig the improv soloing. but this concert was so much more complex and rehearsed than the show i saw 2 years ago. instead of doing covers and older material, Esperanza stuck with the album exclusively. all album cuts. it was the album straight thru. no pausing. and no intermission. i really like how it was arranged but my fanatic tendencies had me wishing for a story or two like last time. she didn't even talk about her shows with Prince. wouldn't it be great to see her play with his purple-ness? those jam sessions had to be amazing. plus, i know Esperanza does a version of "if i was your girlfriend". i really wanted to see her perform that. but this wasn't the right setting for that kind of song.
i must offer a couple of notes on ES's appearance: i heard a couple of people mention her hair and how there is LOTS of it! and they were right. it is quite impressive to see such a massive amount of hair on such a little body. ES is also very thin. so thin, in fact, that i found myself wishing she would eat a cheeseburger or something. does that girl eat? there is quite a contrast between her small stature and thin frame and that huge instrument she plays which is the biggest one on stage. at least she knows what she is doing.
the biggest difference in Esperanza's performance since the last time she was here is her development as a singer and a frontwoman. it is clear she is gaining a confidence in her on-stage performance. she even did some choreographed dancing. i am not gonna say that she is "going Hollywood". that's for the Beibers of the world. not my girl Esperanza. she is a real musician. a Grammy is just a Grammy. no big whoop.
after the Chamber Music Society songs were done, it was over. Esperanza went back to the chair and the coat. she turned off the light and the party was over.
then after cheers and applause and screams and more applause, there was 1 more song.....
the aforementioned pianist Leo Genovese, who also played in the last version of her band, was the only man in the group. he has a "good gig" as David Letterman told him after they performed "winter sun" on CBS's LATE SHOW. Leo obviously works well with Esperanza and has clearly developed a great bond with her over the last few years. the only song played for an encore was a version of "fall in" sung by Esperanza accompanied only by Genovese's piano. it was the only song from the 'Esperanza' album played that nite. i wanted to hear more. but the show was over. time flies when you're having fun.
not that i am complaining. not at all. i loved the concert! my wife enjoyed it as well. i am just getting ahead of myself by hoping to hear more music than what i have already heard. i hoped that i could hear something brand new from the next album called Radio Music Society. it is supposed to be funkier and has an appearance by Q-Tip. i also want to hear her version of the Disney song "Chim-Chimaree" which is on some tribute record. and still nothing about Prince? she recently played those shows with the purple one on the Welcome 2 America tour. yes even Prince has blessed her. then it is proven: Esperanza is the cure!
see her tour dates HERE
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