Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz, April 17, 2009 - Bassist Esperanza Spalding is one of the most talked-about new artists in jazz today. Her neo-soul style and talents as both a bassist and a singer have won her praise from countless quarters, landing her on the cover of JazzTimes, as well as an appearance on David Letterman's Late Show. She recently brought her considerable talents to Piano Jazz, with the aid of pianist Leo Genovese.
Originally from Portland, Ore., Spalding recalls getting the "hunger" to play music at an early age. She picked up the violin quickly as a child, teaching herself much of the way. She came to the bass in high school and began playing gigs with jazz and pop groups around Portland. A teacher's encouragement and a full scholarship led her to make the cross-country move to Boston and attend the Berklee School of Music.
Spalding admits to spending more time on gigs and "bumming around Boston" than in classes, though the connections she made through the school proved valuable. For one, it's where she met her pianist, Leo Genovese, who joins her on this show. The two kick off the set with Betty Carter's "Jazz Ain't Nothin' but Soul," a tune which seems to sum up Spalding's approach and musical philosophy. Her mischievous side doesn't escape host Marian McPartland's notice, and it's certainly apparent on her admittedly crazy solo version of Lionel Hampton's "Midnight Sun." After a duet of "Just Friends," McPartland is inspired to improvise one of her musical portraits. The tune playfully jumps back and forth between sensitive lush chords and playful, free-sounding bursts that perfectly capture Spalding.
McPartland's piano provides a perfect accompaniment to Spalding's bass and vocals in Duke Ellington's "Prelude to a Kiss," the most straight-ahead tune on the show. With Ellington in the air, McPartland performs her arrangement of the Duke's quirky tune, "Clothed Woman." The session ends with "Look No Further," a Richard Rodgers tune from the show No Strings.
Originally recorded Nov. 11, 2008.
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