Customer Reviews

Junjo

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A true dichotomy: Some of the best smooth, tough, calming and energizing music that speaks to my heart, mind and body. Esperanza is a true gift to all who enjoy jazz. In fact, she will appeal to those who don't often listen to jazz, but who love good music.

I had been told about this young lady approximately 6-8 months before I actually listened to her CD. When I heard her I could not believe it! She is absolutely incredible in her playing and singing for her age and the type of music (jazz) she sings! I bought this CD and her latest CD, "Esperanza" and I simply fell in love with her. When you hear her sing and play it's hard to believe you're listening to someone as young as she is. It hard to imagine what levels she will achieve if her beginning is any indication. I look forward to whatever she puts out in the future. She will definitely become one of my favorite artists!

For me, Esperanza Spalding's debut album was pure listening joy. This is a jazz in its purest, undiluted sense. Not only does Spalding play the bass well, she's a great singer as well. Spalding scats on many of the songs (except when she sings the "Cantora de Yala", which is a Argentinian folk song that she sings in Spanish). She's has such a sweet pleasant voice -- one can only hope that she'll sing even more in the future. The song sounds a lot like Brazilian sambas/bossa novas (which I love listening too). She does it all so well too. Spalding also reworks some classic jazz pieces like "Humpty Dumpty" and "The Peacocks".


To me, the title track "Junjo" sums up Spalding's style -- which is playful, savvy, sophisticated, feminine and joyful. But there are many moods expressed throughout the album -- I guess it depends on the listener what they will get from each abstract song.

This album has been on constant repeat on my cd player and IPOD for the past month, that's how much I enjoy it. Right now, I hope to listen to more of her albums in the future -- but I"m enjoying this one so much, it's going to be a little while.

ETA: Her bass solo (the arrangement and her playing) on "Mompouana" is just so wonderful and cool, it almost had me literally tears. Just brilliant.

If she is, then music will be fine. This young lady (emphasis on young) is just such a ball of exuberance and energy and it comes through in her music (playing and vocals). Creative yet listenable. What will she be like in 10 years?

Just have one word: OUTSTANDING.

If you're in the mood for a suiting music for relaxation, a nice date or something like that, this is your cd.

I have three of her CDs and I understand clearly why Esperanza was the Best New Artist at the GRAMMYs this year.

If you enjoy jazz, with some great variations, this is your type of artist.

I like Esperanza in this joyful debut. Her emotional, wordless vocals with her bass playing interprets traditional jazz favorites and new compositions to a greater heights. Accompanying her on this jazzy journey are Aruán Ortiz and Francisco Mela, pianist and drummer from Cuba.

One of the many highlights are the trio's take on Chick Corea's "Humpty Dumpty". I hope this chanteuse will be keeping on releasing albums. Jazz should be enjoyed and introduced to a much bigger audience. An album for relaxing times.

What a talent Esperanza is! Her music and musicality is a joy and pleasure to experience.

if i had a lady who sang too me like this, i would just sit and stare at her all day, but i dont, so i gotta keep what i got. go out and Cop this cd (thats slang for buy it).

I just saw her on Letterman. As soon as she finished playing, Letterman told Paul Shaffer that she was the "coolest guest we ever had on the show". He was right! What a sound!

This a really fantastic jazz Cd. Mrs. Spalding not just play bass as an angel, she sing as another angel. Absolutely and highly recommended for jazz lovers.