Esperanza Spalding

American jazz bassist and singer (born 1984)

Born: 18 October 1984
Portland
Country: United States
Active: 2000–
Record labels: Concord Records, Heads Up International, Merge Records
Discography: 9 albums

Biography

Esperanza Spalding is a jazz musician who plays guitar, double bass, bass instrument and bass guitar. Esperanza Spalding was born on 18 October 1984 in Portland. The music is usually filed under jazz, soul and funk. Record labels: Concord Records, Heads Up International and Merge Records. The discography here lists 9 albums, from “Junjo” (2006) to “Milton + Esperanza” (2024). Honours include Grammy Award for Best New Artist (2011), Soul Train Music Awards (2012) and honorary doctor of the Berklee College of Music (2018).

Esperanza Emily Spalding (born October 18, 1984), sometimes professionally known with the stylized name of esperanza spalding, is an American bassist, singer, songwriter, and composer. Her accolades include five Grammy Awards, a Boston Music Award, a Soul Train Music Award, and two honorary doctorates: one from her alma mater Berklee College of Music and one from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Spalding began playing music professionally in her childhood, performing as a violinist in the Chamber Music Society of Oregon at age five. She was later both self-taught and trained on other instruments, including guitar and bass. Her proficiency earned her academic scholarships to Portland State University and Berklee College of Music, both of which she attended, studying music.

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Discography

Studio and live albums

Junjo 2006 · Ayva Music Esperanza 2008 · Heads Up International Chamber Music Society 2010 · Heads Up International Radio Music Society 2012 · Heads Up International Emily’s D+Evolution 2016 · Concord Records Exposure 2017 · Concord Records 12 Little Spells 2018 · Concord Records Songwrights Apothecary Lab 2021 · Concord Records Milton + Esperanza 2024 · Concord Records

Also plays on

Albums where Esperanza Spalding is credited as a sideman

2007	The Toys Of Men — Stanley Clarke	vocals
2009	Big Neighborhood — Mike Stern	bass, vocals
2012	Sound Travels — Jack DeJohnette	double bass, lead vocals, electric bass guitar
2012	All Over the Place — Mike Stern	bass, vocals
2013	Spirityouall — Bobby McFerrin	double bass, vocals
2013	Beautiful Life — Dianne Reeves	bass, background vocals
2013	Colors of a Dream — Tom Harrell	bass, vocals
2022	Live at the Detroit Jazz Festival — Wayne Shorter, Terri Lyne Carrington & Esperanza Spalding feat. Leo Genovese	bass
2022	Black Radio III — Robert Glasper	vocals

Awards

2011 Grammy Award for Best New Artist
2012 Soul Train Music Awards
2018 honorary doctor of the Berklee College of Music
2020 Grammy Awards

Listen on Spotify

Frequently asked questions

What instrument does Esperanza Spalding play?

Esperanza Spalding is known for playing guitar, double bass, bass instrument and bass guitar.

When and where was Esperanza Spalding born?

Esperanza Spalding was born 18 October 1984 in Portland.

What are Esperanza Spalding's best-known albums?

Albums in our database include Junjo (2006), Esperanza (2008), Chamber Music Society (2010), Radio Music Society (2012) and Emily’s D+Evolution (2016).

External links

Data compiled from open sources; see the source links below. Spotted an error? Let us know.