Before I start the review, let me state the following:
If your a fan of bass players and appreciate well played, FAT sounding bass notes with great swing - look no further and just buy this album now.
Now, onto the review…
I was going to the CD shop! What I bought was expensive yet it was music by someone I had never heard before. This is definately not a well known name in jazz (yet) and my purchase was due more to a mere whim of consumerism rather that knowledge of the people involved in the album. Upon first listen, I was impressed by the music that came from my speakers and at that very instant I knew that my money had been well spent. The music was fantastic, warm yet different. The singer, bass player and composer, Esperanza Spalding, is the golden ticket here. Despite her young age, her bass playing is reminiscent of such greats by the names of Charles Mingues, Israel Lopez and Ray Brown to name a few. Her other trio members, pianist Aruán Ortiz and drummer Francisco Mela, are Cuban musicians who play with great gusto and round out the trio with a firm but swinging foundation. You can definitely feel the joy in the recording studio that day.
What really sets this album apart from the masses is her singing. More specifically - wordless singing. A type of scat if you will. While there are no words, her soft style brings about memories of some of the most suave bossa nova singers from times past. Pair this with her natural sense of rhytm and the charm never fades. This album is lyrical, fresh, hip and energetic from start to finish.
Normally, I would pick out a song and attempt to describe it. This is pointless for this album as every song has a special charm about it. It really is something you must hear on your own.
The mastering on the album is not perfect but it is very far from bad as well. It’s great actually. Not over compressed but a bit on the dark side for my preferences. Regardless this is a very, very minor complaint and admittedly, my only complaint for this album.
While expensive when compared to most jazz releases and re-releases, this album contains music that is worth the admission fee and is an album every jazz fan should own. Highly recommended!
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