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Editorial Reviews
Highly anticipated 2010 album from charismatic bassist, vocalist and composer Esperanza Spalding. The gifted 25-year-old's second recording for Heads Up International features pianist Leo Genovese and drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, with a multitude of string arrangements by Gil Goldstein and Spalding. Special guests include singer Gretchen Parlato and Brazilian legend Milton Nascimento.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
76 of 81 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Esperanza Spaulding shot off like a rocket with her eponymous debut album in 2008. Yet, for as impressive a young jazz artist as she is, the program there seemed a bit unfocussed. Where was she going to take her unique and most promising talent?
I surmised from the first album that she would probably end up in a "post bop-fusion" mode, exploring and taking off from the early '70's works of such artists as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul and Miles Davis. The live concert of Ms. Spaulding on PBS' "Austin City Limits" seemed to confirm this direction.
But like Miles Davis, Esperanza Spaulding is much too creative and headstrong a musician ever to be pigeonholed; rather, she appears to be one to lead rather than to follow. And this perception is confirmed by this stunning second c.d.
I have listened to it over and over, and not only am I not tired of it, I find myself picking up something new with each listen. Immediately, I'm captivated by the charming duet with another young vocal lioness, Gretchen Parlato, on track 10, Jobim's "Intuil Paisagem." (Incidentally, one of the few non-originals. Really, the only standard is "Wild Is the Wind," track 5, but even it doesn't sound like what you may be used to at all). Likewise, the duet with the immortal Milton Nasciemento, "Apple Blossom," track 6, is captivating.
But the ouerve of this disc is chamber music, really, and the recording belongs more than anything to the combo of Ms. Spaulding's bass, David Eggar's cello, Entho Todorov's violin and Lois Martin's viola. Jazz and string quartets? It absolutely works here. Kudos to executive producer, Gil Goldstein, one of the best in the business, as well of course to co-producer Esperanza.
And Leo Genovese likewise does amazing work on piano. Check out his solo on track 9, "Winter Sun," for example.
I predict a Grammy nomination for this c.d. Granted, the Grammies in jazz (aka the "Shammies") are generally reserved for talent who has made it. But Esperanza Spaulding has already received an hellacious amount of recognition for such a young artist. She richly deserves it, and would deserve the nomination.
I call this "Music for the Intellect," or "Music for the Head." It won't make it on American Bandstand; you won't give it a 95, because you can't really dance to it. But this disc is one of the most intelligent, intellectually challenging recordings I have heard in a long time. Very highly recommended. RC
p.s. - 1/2/11 - This was the only vocal jazz disc of 2010 to make it into Jazz Times' top 40 c.d.'s. (#34) I would have predicted that, in terms of it being #1. Esperanza Spaulding was also nominated as the top new artist. However, the c.d. was not nominated for a Grammy in the vocal jazz category. Can't get 'em all correct....RC
I surmised from the first album that she would probably end up in a "post bop-fusion" mode, exploring and taking off from the early '70's works of such artists as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul and Miles Davis. The live concert of Ms. Spaulding on PBS' "Austin City Limits" seemed to confirm this direction.
But like Miles Davis, Esperanza Spaulding is much too creative and headstrong a musician ever to be pigeonholed; rather, she appears to be one to lead rather than to follow. And this perception is confirmed by this stunning second c.d.
I have listened to it over and over, and not only am I not tired of it, I find myself picking up something new with each listen. Immediately, I'm captivated by the charming duet with another young vocal lioness, Gretchen Parlato, on track 10, Jobim's "Intuil Paisagem." (Incidentally, one of the few non-originals. Really, the only standard is "Wild Is the Wind," track 5, but even it doesn't sound like what you may be used to at all). Likewise, the duet with the immortal Milton Nasciemento, "Apple Blossom," track 6, is captivating.
But the ouerve of this disc is chamber music, really, and the recording belongs more than anything to the combo of Ms. Spaulding's bass, David Eggar's cello, Entho Todorov's violin and Lois Martin's viola. Jazz and string quartets? It absolutely works here. Kudos to executive producer, Gil Goldstein, one of the best in the business, as well of course to co-producer Esperanza.
And Leo Genovese likewise does amazing work on piano. Check out his solo on track 9, "Winter Sun," for example.
I predict a Grammy nomination for this c.d. Granted, the Grammies in jazz (aka the "Shammies") are generally reserved for talent who has made it. But Esperanza Spaulding has already received an hellacious amount of recognition for such a young artist. She richly deserves it, and would deserve the nomination.
I call this "Music for the Intellect," or "Music for the Head." It won't make it on American Bandstand; you won't give it a 95, because you can't really dance to it. But this disc is one of the most intelligent, intellectually challenging recordings I have heard in a long time. Very highly recommended. RC
p.s. - 1/2/11 - This was the only vocal jazz disc of 2010 to make it into Jazz Times' top 40 c.d.'s. (#34) I would have predicted that, in terms of it being #1. Esperanza Spaulding was also nominated as the top new artist. However, the c.d. was not nominated for a Grammy in the vocal jazz category. Can't get 'em all correct....RC
36 of 42 people found the following review helpful
By Divine
Format:Audio CD
I love all of Esperanza's CDs and what I loved about some of the songs on the previous works were some were so simple and whisical and just wonderful.
What I love about Chamber Music Society is that is anything but simple. Every airspace has music and sound (if that makes sense). Its beautiful and rich and interesting and it envelopes you. The Chamber Music idea was so original! HOW do you add jazz elements to something as boring as chamber music and make it something I cant stop listening to!?!?
Its soooo UNIQUE and INNOVATIVE! And I see her growth in this CD. Its amazing to me.
Because I was introduced to her 3 years ago, I now listen to Jazz music new and old. And work like this is what makes Jazz the best music genre to me. I hope the world takes notice! BRAVO!
What I love about Chamber Music Society is that is anything but simple. Every airspace has music and sound (if that makes sense). Its beautiful and rich and interesting and it envelopes you. The Chamber Music idea was so original! HOW do you add jazz elements to something as boring as chamber music and make it something I cant stop listening to!?!?
Its soooo UNIQUE and INNOVATIVE! And I see her growth in this CD. Its amazing to me.
Because I was introduced to her 3 years ago, I now listen to Jazz music new and old. And work like this is what makes Jazz the best music genre to me. I hope the world takes notice! BRAVO!
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is a great album.
As much as I enjoyed "Esperanza"--her second album--I must say that "Chamber Music Society" is a definitive leap forward. Her voice texture is richer, her compositions/arrangements are beyond impressive, and her musicianship is inspiring. Two thumbs up!
As much as I enjoyed "Esperanza"--her second album--I must say that "Chamber Music Society" is a definitive leap forward. Her voice texture is richer, her compositions/arrangements are beyond impressive, and her musicianship is inspiring. Two thumbs up!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Modern dance anyone?
An interesting, eclectic album. I use it to work out with sometimes, incorporating modern dance. It is not a background music piece, it needs a person's attention.
Published 21 days ago by cinanim
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great listen
Wonderful. A treat for the soul. It a clear extension of Esparanza as a person. Would highly recommend to all.
Published 28 days ago by Mama2all
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'M LOVING IT
Ms. Spalding continues to impress. She has style and beauty and her singing and playing are simply lovely. I can't get enough of her music
Published 1 month ago by Helen Scott
3.0 out of 5 stars
Bought on sale
My first experience with Esperanza was on the Grammy's. This is a good album. I purchased it because of the reduced price. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Anthony DiPlacito
5.0 out of 5 stars
Portland's Sweetheart
With Excellent jazz and voice, Esperanza dazzles with crisp bass notes that will absolutely brighten your day, one of the best CDs in this market.
Published 2 months ago by R. Garland
3.0 out of 5 stars
I'm Mixed about Esperanza Spalding's Music
Maybe I'm not the best one to interpret this type of music. If you like a lot of dissonance in your music you'll probably like this album.
Published 3 months ago by Sidney L. Vaught
5.0 out of 5 stars
Captivating!
This is a magical CD! Ms Spalding is like no other! I love her work and look forward to hearing other CDs!
Published 3 months ago by LSM
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very nice!
This album is very nice! Beautiful music. Knowledge of good and evil my favorite cut in this record. Sounds great on vinyl.
Published 4 months ago by M. Kirkwood
5.0 out of 5 stars
I think' I love this young lady.
Esperanza is one of a kind,I don't have many words to say about this CD other then good nice songs. nice band...good job..
Published 4 months ago by TMwolf
3.0 out of 5 stars
Ewww!
Not what I thought it would be. She won an award thought I would like this. Not so much. Sorry
Published 5 months ago by Karen E Mossbarger
