Cantora de Yala - Esperanza Spalding, Castilla, Manuel
Two Bad - Esperanza Spalding, Spalding, Esperanza
Perazela - Esperanza Spalding, Mela, Francisco
Junjo boasts an unusual format: A young American woman playing bass and singing wordless vocals with the accompaniment of a Cuban pianist and drummer. But 22-year-old Esperanza Spalding, an Oregon native who teaches at Bo... more »ston's Berklee College of Music, is so confident in her multiple roles (she also produced the album, released on a Spanish label) and the music goes down so easily, all awareness of her band's makeup quickly fades. With their lighter-than-air quality, the tunes sometimes recall early Return to Forever (an association underlined by the inclusion of a Chick Corea composition) and her playing boasts the warm, richly amplified quality favored by many young bassists. But with pianist Aruan Ortiz stretching and shaping the melodies, Junjo is winningly personal. In addition to several originals by Spalding, alone or in collaboration with Ortiz or her drummer, Francisco Mela, it includes a smart and playful reworking of Jimmy Rowles' classic, "The Peacocks." --Lloyd Sachs« less
Junjo boasts an unusual format: A young American woman playing bass and singing wordless vocals with the accompaniment of a Cuban pianist and drummer. But 22-year-old Esperanza Spalding, an Oregon native who teaches at Boston's Berklee College of Music, is so confident in her multiple roles (she also produced the album, released on a Spanish label) and the music goes down so easily, all awareness of her band's makeup quickly fades. With their lighter-than-air quality, the tunes sometimes recall early Return to Forever (an association underlined by the inclusion of a Chick Corea composition) and her playing boasts the warm, richly amplified quality favored by many young bassists. But with pianist Aruan Ortiz stretching and shaping the melodies, Junjo is winningly personal. In addition to several originals by Spalding, alone or in collaboration with Ortiz or her drummer, Francisco Mela, it includes a smart and playful reworking of Jimmy Rowles' classic, "The Peacocks." --Lloyd Sachs
CD Reviews
Junjo
Charlie Bass | Denver, CO United States | 12/31/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A true dichotomy: Some of the best smooth, tough, calming and energizing music that speaks to my heart, mind and body. Esperanza is a true gift to all who enjoy jazz. In fact, she will appeal to those who don't often listen to jazz, but who love good music."
Letterman is right
JohnnyE | College Station, TX USA | 07/02/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just saw her on Letterman. As soon as she finished playing, Letterman told Paul Shaffer that she was the "coolest guest we ever had on the show". He was right! What a sound!"
The Future OF Jazz?
Joel Rodriguez | Atlanta, GA | 04/12/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If she is, then music will be fine. This young lady (emphasis on young) is just such a ball of exuberance and energy and it comes through in her music (playing and vocals). Creative yet listenable. What will she be like in 10 years?"
Amazing!!!!
B. K. Stewart | Terre Haute, IN | 04/10/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had been told about this young lady approximately 6-8 months before I actually listened to her CD. When I heard her I could not believe it! She is absolutely incredible in her playing and singing for her age and the type of music (jazz) she sings! I bought this CD and her latest CD, "Esperanza" and I simply fell in love with her. When you hear her sing and play it's hard to believe you're listening to someone as young as she is. It hard to imagine what levels she will achieve if her beginning is any indication. I look forward to whatever she puts out in the future. She will definitely become one of my favorite artists!"