S-P-(((o)))-T-L-I-G-H-T ::: 3 Songs with Esperanza Spalding

Season 3 of Blue-in-Green:RADIO's S-P-(((o)))-T-L-I-G-H-T series continues with the celebration of some of our favourite vocalists.  In support of our selections, we've plucked a snazzy 3-song round-up featuring a mish-mash of under-appreciated collaborations and under-the-radar remixes that may have passed listeners by.

Tonight focuses on the music of bassist, band leader and singer-songwriter, Esperanza Spalding.  Since her debut album release in 2006, the Grammy-winning artist has gone on to solidify herself as one of the genre's premier names in contemporary jazz.  Through releases on Heads UP and Concord, Spalding has amassed ten full-length albums as well as extensive collaborations with names including Wayne Shorter, Karriem Riggins and Nicholas Payton.  Always seeking to create music that draws from a deeper well of inspiration, Spalding's expansive catalogue freely flits between Latin jazz to funk-rock to R&B consistently displaying such mastery at each turn and proving her indelible worth to today's jazz landscape.

Here are three Esperanza Spalding tracks that no Esperanza Spalding collection should be without...

1. 'Why We Speak' by Robert Glasper featuring Esperanza Spalding & Q-Tip (2022)

The third of Robert Glasper's 'Black Radio' trilogy maintained the pianist's penchant for big name guests including Gregory Porter, Lalah Hathaway and Jennifer Hudson.  A wonderful entry into the series, 'Black Radio III' showcased some outstanding tracks perhaps best spearheaded by this gem which unites the colossal names of Glasper, Esperanza Spalding and Q-Tip.  A trio with a lengthy lineage between them - Q-Tip having produced on Spalding's 'Radio Music Society' album, Glasper having appeared on Tip's 'The Renaissance', and Glasper and Spalding having performed and recorded together on a multitude of tracks - 'Why We Speak' served as a dream collaboration that delivers in every way.

2. 'Freesia' by Nicholas Payton featuring Esperanza Spalding (2011)

Although the trumpeter Nicholas Payton boasts the distinction of featuring Spalding as a member of his trio - alongside drummer Karriem Riggins - for his album 'Triune' in 2025, he also had the pleasure of showcasing the vocalist on the track 'Freesia'.  Housed on Payton's album 'Bitches' from 2011, the album served as his foray into R&B with Payton himself tackling the bulk of the album's vocals but still managing to feature an incredible list of featured artists including Saunders Sermons, Cassandra Wilson, N'Dambi and Chinah Blac.  Spalding's appearance on 'Freesia' undoubtedly delivers a strong album highlight and provides another entry into the collaborators' extensive collection of music together.

3. 'Dawn' by Nubya Garcia featuring Esperanza Spalding (2024)

It's always been a continual joy to see how the London-based saxophonist Nubya Garcia continues to grow in prominence and distinction over the years.  Having established herself through releases on Jazz Re:freshed, as a member of spiritual jazz outfit Maisha and as a key collaborator alongside a litany of contemporary London talent including Moses Boyd and Joe Armon-Jones.  Garcia's star would shine particularly bright following her signing to Concord Jazz and the release of her full-length solo debut 'SOURCE ⧺ WE MOVE' in 2021.  Garcia's sophomore album release delivered some exceptional moments notably the collaboration with Esperanza Spalding on the track 'Dawn'.  A total dream collaboration you'd have been forgiven for thinking we'd never get to see.