Esperanza Spalding - Emily's D+Evolution

Esperanza Spalding
Emily's D+Evolution
2016
Spotify

From the first note of Emily's D+Evolution you know you are in for something funky. The music evokes the experimental jazz funk traditions that artists like Prince have championed forever. There is a classical through line for the entire record, but there is also this grand theme of freedom that only jazz in it's purest form can bring. For a great deal of Jazz or experimental style music there is an idea that the artist is really putting a great deal of thought and practice into each note they craft. However with Esperanza Spalding and her upright bass everything feels completely natural. There is not a second on this record that is forced in any way. The album is sung through a character, Emily, who is Spalding's alter ego. Coming to the album cold however you would be hard pressed to figure out that this complex change of personality is even going on. The Jazz that Spalding plays is not the same kind you can find in Jazz club everywhere. This is not lounge music, nor is it so improvisational to make it unapproachable. She has found the delicate balance that you need between music that matters and music that is fun. Her voice has a live quality to it throughout the album which adds an air of danger and performance that really elevates the music. She could potentially crack, things could go off the rails but with Her skill they never do.

All this to say however Spalding is quite apt at getting into a nice groove now and then on Emily's D+Evolution. "Earth To Heaven" has her really allowing the melodic to take over and create something that could quite easily be considered pop while "Rest In Pleasure" is about as close to a love song as you are going to find here. For some this record might cross over into the art or performance art category, but it is just to melodic, to visceral to cross over to that level. This is not something totally high minded and out of reach for the people. It is exactly for the people right there for them to access despite truly how good it is. Don't be confused though there are still things that are quite nuts like the into of "Ebony And Ivy" and everything seeming to be just a half step off in places (obviously completely intentional). It is those idiosyncrasies however that really give this album it's character and drive. This record really is the definition of being wide open. Spalding brings us exactly what is in her mind seemingly without restraint and what we her is something really beautiful. Esperanza Spalding already has a Grammy and with this album she is positioning herself for another. You can often make something pretty or important but bringing the two together is the true gift and it is one that Esperanza has mastered.

8.3 out of 10