Black Music Festival 2011: Esperanza Spalding (9th April)

A few months ago this artist had not been heard of outside the jazz circles. Then, at the 2011 Grammys, she took the prize for best new artist straight from underneath Justin Bieber's nose. Now she is an international jazz sensation. Luckily she played here at Girona tonight, with another concert in Barcelona tomorrow night, as part of the annual Girona Black Music Festival.

What seems most special about her talent is her powerfully delicate voice. She meshes pop, classical music and traditional jazz rhythms into a completely new concoction of sounds which are so varied and surprising that you never know what sound you will hear next.

What is also very moving is the different languages she uses, in particular Spanish, English and Portoguese, as well as a great use of inarticulate sounds, or simply humming notes or singing them to la-la-la. There are some fiery Spanish rhythms and lyrics, with a single violin attacking the quick succession of notes, followed by a more gentle, but bouncy, Brazilian tune. And then there are the more traditional American jazz rhythms and words, accompanied by a single pianist (who is absolutely brilliant).

For me, the two songs which particularly stood out were Wild Like The Wind and Apple Blossom. Both of these are quite lyrical and with more traditional jazz rhythms, whereas many of the others were very modern and experimental, combining music with clapping or even whistling (which was also perfect pitch and well timed at all times).

Here is a link to her Apple Blossom:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZh9mScFW7U

The performance was well staged. Although the concert started 45 minutes late, it started with Esperanza entering a "room" and sitting on chair whilst sipping water, as if waiting for us to arrive into her living room and start listening, which was ironic really. At times she would address a few words to the audience, only for us to realise a bit later on that this was actually part of a song!



Her backing musicians were incredible, in particular her pianist, who had to combat against some incredibly difficult rhythms sung by Esperanza (who I'm sure had probably adapted them a bit as well) as well as to replicate at many times the melody at a very high speed. The three violinists were also very good. Well, all 6 musicians were outstanding. I'm sure the performance will get very high praise from the critics tomorrow morning!

Perhaps most impressive of all is Esperanza's ability to sing such difficult sounds with passion at the same time as playing her bass almost all the time (resulting in the magazine Stella calling her the "ace of bass"). But another main attraction is her hair. Just look at pictures of her and you will see why!