Spalding, Esperanza
Heads Up, 2008, CD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 14.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: We liked Spalding’s debut recording. We are even more impressed here as she continues with many of her own compositions including several strong vocals. She has a soft yet powerful voice that is inviting on “Fall In”. Her work on bass is still slamming as well, notably on “Meta”. They open with a cover of Nascimento’s “Ponta de Areia” establishing a cool groove that persists. Esperanza scats and sings in Spanish on “Cuerpo y Alma” (Body & Soul) then in English on “Precious” and “Love In Time”, two of her own ballads. Spalding makes a strong statement here with jazzy music that will appear to a broad audience. And it is not watered down!
Publicist: Telarc Jazz