Band Review: Esperanza Spalding

Esperanza Spalding is really good at what she does, but also I hate it. I don't feel good about this.

I first became aware of Spalding while look for other versions of "Throw It Away". I was excited to see that she was from Portland and so well-regarded, so that seemed like a good reason to review her.

That was 2015.

I have tried before now, but I keep getting tripped up on how much I hate the music. Specifically, I seem to hate jazz.

Before an Iggy Pop concert (where I hated the opening act), my friend and I started talking about musical mastery and taste, which made it natural for me to mention Spalding. My friend was familiar with her because Prince has spoken so well of her with regard to jazz and her musicianship. That made me feel more like I should be able to listen and appreciate her, but I still can't.

However, the point I had been making in that conversation was about knowing that there were things that I was missing in jazz, and that Esperanza Spalding would probably know. I believe that she is good at it, even if I don't like it.

I still have not learned to appreciate jazz, but I can appreciate that my lack has nothing to do with her abilities.

And lots of people do like jazz.

If you like jazz, you should check her out.

http://www.esperanzaspalding.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ghFm78RhT2eg6rPIVHRVg

https://twitter.com/EspeSpalding