ARTISTS WE LOVE- ESPERANZA SPALDING

Photo Credit: Esperanzaspalding.com

If you didn’t see it, you heard about it. The 53^rd Annual Grammy Awards. “Beleibers” worldwide crossed their fingers, held in their shrieks, and waited to hear Justin Bieber’s name called for the prestigious Best New Artist award. But the moment came and passed, and shock filled the faces of these teenage fans. The winner wasn’t Justin, but Esperanza Spalding, a lesser known American singer and jazz bassist from Portland, Oregon. Spalding deserved the award. While her music may not be the most appealing to the Justin Bieber crowd, it definitely makes the cut for prippie’s Artists We Love.

While many news stories focus on Bieber's loss, we want to take a look at the real Esperanza Spalding and the great music that won her the award. Raised in Portland, Oregon by her mother, the 26- year- old musician is a natural performer. According to Spalding’s Wikipedia page, Yo Yo Ma’s performance on an episode of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood encouraged her to pursue her career. By age five she taught herself to play the violin. Her talent sparked interest in the Chamber Music Society of Oregon and Spalding played with the organization until she was 15- years- old. At the time she had reached the level of concertmaster.

Spalding went on to master the oboe, clarinet, and bass and can sing in three different languages. At age 16, Spalding left high school and enrolled in the music program at Portland State University. During this time she gained exposure playing live in Oregon Clubs.

Appearances on the Ella Fitzgerald tribute tour and on a national tour with her own jazz quintet expanded her exposure on the national stage. Recent and notable performances included the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony and Concert, 2009 Park City Jazz Festival, 2010 BET Awards, Austin City Limits in 2010, The White House Poetry Jam and the Late Show with David Letterman in 2011. Her appearance on Austin City Limits was so impressive that she became the most searched person on Google, overnight.

Spalding has released multiple collaborative albums, as well as three solo albums: Junjo, Esperanza, and Chamber Music Society. Her music can be described as jazz fusion with tones of her inviting voice matching the sophisticated yet energetic tone.

And the best part about Spalding? Her excitement and passion for the art of jazz music. In a message from her blog, she discusses last week’s Grammy win:

“Thank you.

I can hardly express what a surprise and a thrill it was Sunday night to receive my first Grammy. In the category of Best New Artist no less. I was and am totally surprised. I am still overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude for all of the people who believed in my music and who voted for me.

Jazz artists aren’t typically nominated in this category, so that alone is special about the award this year. Bur, mainly I hope this will illuminate more than just an edge of the HUGE breadth of all that is happening in jazz music as a whole right now. So may this bright moment for me, also be a bright moment for my colleagues.”

Spalding’s next album will be titled Radio Music Society, and is due for release in late 2011.

-Bianca Mitchell, Editor
biancajanemitchell@prippie.com

Loving This Performance of "I Know You Know"