I hadn't heard of her before but came across this on you tube. She doesn';t start playing until and 2:40 but it's a pretty wild performance.
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Esperanza Spalding : You gotta watch this
- Thread starter Murdoc_420
- Start date
I hadn't heard of her before but came across this on you tube. She doesn';t start playing until and 2:40 but it's a pretty wild performance.
Man, I hope she comes somewhere close to St. Louis this year!
okay,.. it's appears both she & Tal Wilkenfeld are trying to win something this year. (but at the expense of most of their fan base, perhaps) 
devnulljp
Supporting Member
She's amazing.
Listen to some of her other stuff, especially on standup. What a player.
Listen to some of her other stuff, especially on standup. What a player.
The new album's on it's way in the mail to me and I'm going to see her play tomorrow night! 
I really like this direction she has taken. I really respect her double bass work, but bass guitar is my instrument, and I am always more interested in bass guitar projects. The performance aspect of her work may look goofy or corny, but I really support her willingness to experiment. As for the Tal Wilkenfeld comparison, Esperanza is a genuinely accomplished singer who would be great if she did not play an instrument at all. Tal cannot make that claim.
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SirMjac28
Patiently Waiting For The Next British Invasion
The amount of talent it takes to make the bass guitar a solo instrument is mind boggling that's why there are only a select few who can actually pull it off. I agree with the Dr her voice is amazing I almost wish she would do some more pop just to get more people on board to enjoy her music.
I've been following her for a couple of years.. one of my favorite artists by far. It was actually her, no Jaco, that convinced me to go fretless and I'm glad I did. I could watch her play and sing all day.
I don't think she is a pop artist at heart. I think her best shot at a pop hit would be a duet with someone like John Legend. They could really nail a romantic ballad.
Jaco is a legend, but Esperanza has a much more versatile fretless tone. Jaco had a sound that never faded into the background the way bass needs to sometimes. Esperanza's sound can fade or standout as needed.
So yeah... speaking of "female bassists..."
And to that guy who told me "she only plays upright" - I say "get a clue". Ms. Spaulding is something else.
Not my cup of tea, too much in the dark corner of jazz fusion has to offert.
Off topic: Esperanza Spalding is attractive, but she never did much for me looks wise. I just loved her phenomenal music. Those nerd glasses, however, make her look like an old girlfriend who was quite talented in her own way.
For once, she is looking hot to me!
For once, she is looking hot to me!
SirMjac28
Patiently Waiting For The Next British Invasion
That's funny because I was thinking the exact same thing and wow John Legend would be awesome you hit that one right out of the park Dr and I was also thinking about Aleisha Keys, Sia or even Sam Smith I love his voice those two could make some serious music together. I'm not sure where her head is at career wise? I find it hard to believe she hasn't been approached to make more main stream recordings? after watching the video the OP posted it looks like she may be going through an experimental stage which is cool also.
I dig the weird vibe and new direction she is going, but good god whomever mixed this recording should be arrested.
i thought everyone knew about spalding lol....isnt she the woman who win the grammy for best new artist ahead of bieber or something
