First Listen: Esperanza Spalding, "Chamber Music Society"

Sunday August 08, 2010

from NPR

First Listen: Esperanza Spalding, Chamber Music Society

by Patrick Jarenwattananon

One of the cornerstones of cultural life in the tiny country of Denmark is something Danes call “hygge.” It has no exact English translation; the best approximation is “cozy,” or “socially comforting.” It refers to that feeling of being with close friends, having a sincere conversation over food and drink, perhaps listening to good music.

Jazz bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding may have never heard of this word, but it’s more or less what she’s after with her new album, Chamber Music Society. The title refers in part to the three-piece string section she’s called in for the date, with arrangements from Gil Goldstein. According to Spalding, it also nods to the original idea of chamber music itself: being with a small group of trusted comrades, creating new works. The finished product certainly exudes a level of sophisticated intimacy, as if best experienced with a small gathering in a quiet, wood-paneled room.

It’s a bit of a changeup from Spalding, who has made her name by performing with an extroverted stage presence to massive, adoring crowds. She’s played with The Roots, with Stevie Wonder, in tribute to Prince on BET. (Indeed, Spalding is issuing another studio album soon called Radio Music Society, her funk-, rock- and hip-hop-infused paean to Top 40 radio.) She’s played the White House twice. She also performed when President Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize. She’s toured the world several times over, with her own band and backing jazz titans like Joe Lovano and McCoy Tyner. And, yes, she’s only 25.

To read the full article and listen to streaming audio from Chamber Music Society click here

Radio Song (clip)	1:01	Esperanza Spalding
Black Gold	5:17	Esperanza Spalding

[+] open in new window

Watch what's on

*Radio Music Society Trailer
Esperanza Spalding at the Oscars
Black Gold
Esperanza Spalding at the Nobel Prize Ceremony

[+] open in new window

News Archive

IMN - International Music Network