Recently I had the opportunity to see Esperanza Spalding speak and perform. For those of you who are not avid jazz consumers, Spalding is a 2010 Grammy award-winning artist in the category of best new artist. This is a reputable accomplishment for any, but a first of it’s kind for the genre of jazz. My friend Juliana and I got tickets provided by our Ohio Union Activities Board for a dinner and performance and I’ll be honest from the credentials I had researched I was expecting a good show. All of my expectations had been exceeded. With an added benefit to the touching performance, the Ohio Union provided a spectacular dinner including salmon, fresh vegetables, and chocolate cake! In addition to this drinks and freshly brewed Hubbard & Cravens were available. (Food is an essential part of my experiences) To return to the topic of Spalding I would add that she had a certain composure and behavior that made you want to be ultra attentive. Her descriptions of how bass and melody work together much like how speakers and conversations are held. The way things are harmonized is an essential path towards productivity and resulted outcome. Another point discussed by Spalding is that of making a lot out of a little. While she used a more rather graphic explanation, it could be summarized by her discussion of her mother and how she would take the few resources of food and money to make a great life for her daughter and children. This included lessons for Spalding to become classically trained vocally and on cello amongst other instruments from an incredibly young age. I considered this presentation of song and discussion an important learning experience in my life. Hearing her perspectives on life and on jazz as both a human and a musician myself was eye-opening and opportunity I am grateful to have at the expense of the amazing institution in which I consider my college, my school, and my home.
