This artist has a talent larger than her signature afro.
Esperanza Spalding is an up-and-coming artist who is growing in popularity. Her style infuses various genres like pop and funk with a focus on classical and jazz.
Under Concord Jazz label, Spalding works as a vocalist, composer and bassist. Spalding has had a few major honors in her musical career. She performed for President Barack Obama and other distinguished audience members at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, and in 2011 she was the first jazz musician to win a Grammy for Best New Artist.
Born in Portland, Ore., in 1984, Spalding was raised in a low-income, single-parent household. During her childhood, Spalding was inspired by famed cellist Yo Yo Ma to begin playing music at the age of five. She played the violin for 10 years and then moved her focus to the bass at 15.
She began toying with jazz at Portland State University and Berklee College of Music after leaving high school for a music career and getting her GED.
From there, Spalding has mentored with artists including Prince and collaborated with many artists and bands such as Stevie Wonder.
Spalding has released four albums during her music career: “Radio Music Society” (2012), “Chamber Music Society” (2010), “Esperanza (2008) and “Junjo” (2005). All her music is available on ITunes.
Spalding will perform at Jazz Fest on Thursday, May 3 at 5:25 p.m.
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Contact Raylea Barrow at [email protected]