Esperanza is the second studio album by American bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding.
Description It was released on May 20, 2008, by Heads Up International.[ Allmusic review on Esperanza] Having been exposed to many cultures while growing up, Spalding sings in three languages on the album: English, Spanish and Portuguese.Ernest Barteldes, "Esperanza Spalding" , New Times (Broward Palm Beach), August 14, 2008. After Spalding's Grammy Award for Best New Artist in February 2011, the album entered the Billboard 200 at 138.
Critical reception
Thom Jurek of AllMusic stated, "On this recording she seeks to widen her musical adventure at every turn, but she does it with such with taste, refinement, and a playful sense of humor that virtually anyone who encounters this offering will find not only much to delight in, but plenty to be amazed by as well." Myles Tanzer in his book Music Is My Life: Soundtrack Your Mood With 80 Artists for Every Occasion commented, "...on that album she sings in three languages, sings her heart out, and plays masterfully." Nate Chinen of Vibe added, "Like the basketball that shares her name, Spalding bounces around. But this album doesn’t make a slapdash show of eclecticism. Spalding has fashioned something cohesive and diverse, calling upon a strong coalition of musicians and the depth of her own skills. It’s clear Esperanza’s definitely got game—and has no hung-ups about showing it." Jeff Winbush of All About Jazz added that the album "flat-out smokes, and showcases the Berklee-trained bassist as potentially one of the more promising young talents in jazz."
Track listing
Personnel Esperanza Spalding – vocals (1–10, 12), acoustic bass (1, 4–11), Doolin bass (2, 12), arrangements Leo Genovese – acoustic piano (1–11), Wurlitzer electric piano (6), Rhodes electric piano (10) Niño Josele – guitar (12) Otis Brown – drums (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9–11), backing vocals (4, 7) Horacio Hernandez – drums (4, 6, 8) Jamey Haddad – various percussions (1, 2, 4, 6), various cymbals (1, 2) Donald Harrison – alto saxophone (6, 11) Ambrose Akinmusire – trumpet (8, 11) Gretchen Parlato – backing vocals (1, 4) Theresa Perez – backing vocals (4) Victor Gould – co-arrangements (5)
Production Dave Love – executive producer Esperanza Spalding – producer Niño Josele – producer (12) Daniel Florestano – associate producer Martin Walters – co-producer, recording, mixing Eric Kilburn – assistant engineer Pablo Martin Caminero – guitar recording (12) Robert Friedrich – mastering at Telarc International Corporation (Cleveland, Ohio) Arantza Benito Melgar – production supervisor Natalie Singer – production supervisor Theresa Perez – local production, cover typography Robert Hoffman – art direction, design Johann Sauty – photography Raquel Gonzalez – stylist Megan McGeorge – wardrobe Carmen Romero – wardrobe
Chart performance Esperanza spent over 70 weeks on the Billboard Top Jazz Albums Chart.All Music Guide review of Chamber Music Society
Chart (2009–10) Peakposition
References