I am so thrilled to share the excitment of this gifted composer, singer and musician from Portland, Oregon, Esperanza Spalding. We had a great audience turnout for Sunday’s Music Haven concert series in Schenectady, NY to celebrate her music. Lines of photographers, high school & college music majors, art presenters, lovers of jazz and folks just coming to check out the concert series were not disappointed. Folks eagerly waited to hear this talent hit the stage and deliver what would be a spell-bounding set.
Esperanza took over the place with such grace and style. She is indeed one of the hottest new stars around at just 23, she played bass, she sang and left the audience wanting more. Esperanza wrote many of the songs in her 65-minute set: She and her quartet performed “Jazz Ain’t Nothin’ But Soul,” in Betty Carter’s classic, staying in vintage mode with “Body & Soul” sung in English, although it’s in Spanish on her album “Esperanza.” Her band members traveled musically with her on every note!
She is an expert in her craft and one of the hottest soloist in the arena of jazz. Her career has already taken her on stage with legends Pat Methany, Patti Austin and Herbie Hancock.
The way she plays that bass and delivers her songs draws you in and she is capable of keeping you “there”. She is modest and has a great sense of humor. After the set, along with a host of friends, I had a chance to spend time with her. She is very humble and so down to earth. I only hope she realizes the impact she is making on the music scene. How her journey to Schenectady, NY will be an experience we all will remember and hope she will be back soon.
I give high praise to this artist. She is a breath of freshness to the music scene. Don’t miss the chance to see her.
Sara Hill, Marketing Manager, Performing Arts Venue, Proctors
Next Music Haven show: Alaskan bluegrass band Bearfoot on Sunday at 7 p.m.
