The inspiring Esperanza Spalding can justifiably be called “the current queen of the jazz bass.” With a Grammy on her mantel for her 2010 Chamber Music Society CD and the recent release of her hip, new offering, Radio Music Society, as well as supporting work on Terri Lyne Carrington’s 2012 Grammy winner, The Mosaic Project, Spalding is very much in the jazz limelight these days.
Spalding sent CBC Music an extensive playlist that’s keeping her inspired. It’s a list that ranges from jazz masters to classic '70s funk, Argentinian folk to classic songs from Hendrix and the Beatles. Spalding's list also goes to music that touches on the relevant issues of cultural and ethnic identity and human rights, all the while keeping us connected to an infectious groove that feels just right for the jazz festival season.
1. “Cartas de Amor que se queman,” Liliana Herrero & Juan Falu.
2. “What’s wrong with Groovin’,” Letta Mbulu.
3. “That’s the Way of the World,” Earth Wind & Fire.
4. “In the Midst,” Becca Stevens.
5. “Cool Day in Hell,” Michael Brecker.
6. “Yearnin’,” Oliver Nelson.
7. “Aung San Suu Kyi,” Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock.
8. “Love Poems,” Bilal.
9. “The Last Silk Hat,” Wayne Shorter.
10. “Saudade dos Aviões da Panair,” Milton Nascimento.
11. “I Am Black Gold of the Sun,” Rotary Connection.
12. “Straight Ahead,” Abbey Lincoln.
13. “Who Was That?” Deee-Lite.
14. “Twice,” Little Dragon.
15. “Across the Universe,” the Beatles.
16. “Burning of the Midnight Lamp,” Jimi Hendrix.
17. “K.O.S (Determination),” Talib Kweli and Mos Def.
18. “Apple,” Cibo Matto.
19. “Laura,” Ran Blake & Jeanne Lee.
20. “Streets of Naples,” Joe Lovano.
If you’d like to experience Esperanza Spalding first-hand this summer, she will be appearing at the Ottawa Jazz Festival June 27, the Toronto Jazz Festival June 28 and the Montreal Jazz Festival June 29.
Related:
Robert Glasper’s ‘what inspires me’ playlist
Bill Frisell’s ‘what inspires me’ playlist
Terri Lyne Carrington's beautiful mosaic
posted by
Michael Juk
on Jun 21, 2012