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Last Call Review: Esperanza Spalding/Emily's D +Evolution/Concord

Since winning the Best New Artist category at the 53rd Grammy Awards several years ago-and making history by being the first jazz artist to do so, Esperanza Spalding has been attracting attention to herself as a triple threat-bassist, composer, vocalist, in a series of appearances with some of today's top jazz artists as well as her 2012 release Radio Music Society.

The new record from Spalding may be a jarring experience to those who have grown accustomed to her work with jazz luminaries such as saxophonist Joe Lovano and trumpeter Tom Harrell.  Spalding is certainly a total professional with the bass either in a supportive capacity or as a leader.

Now with "Emily's D+ Evolution" Spalding creates a jazz-rock-r&b record which is a bold step beyond her previous recordings. Driven by intelligent, thoughtful lyrics composed by the bassist, the date, re-recorded in front of a live studio audience, packs a punch with twelve tunes.

Highlights of the recording include "Unconditional Love", "Earth to Heaven", "One", "Rest In Pleasure", and "Funk the Fear".  This new recording, released in March of this year, features excellent guitar work from Matthew Stevens, as well as Karriem Riggins on drums, Corey King on trombone and vocals; and others. 

For more information you may visit http://www.esperanzaspalding.com/#emily

   

Chris Cooke has been a voice on public radio in Omaha since 1989. Working at KVNO-FM during college, Cooke hosted a weekend progressive jazz show on the station in addition to working as an on-air announcer. In November 1992, Cooke signed on at KIOS-FM and has been there ever since. He has hosted the Tuesday and Thursday editions of Jazz in the Afternoon since 1996 and has hosted Last Call since that year. A long time fan of jazz music, Cooke enjoys talking with the musicians who make jazz music and presenting those conversations with listeners. When not hosting or listening to jazz, on record or in person, Cooke maintains a busy schedule as a self-employed web design consultant.
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