Esperanza Spalding (Afro Blue) International Jazz Day Global Concert 2013

[@gerardguitarist]

Ms. Spalding is a major player on the world wide jazz scene today. Her talent was recognized by some if the biggest names in the genre while still in her teens. She is a gifted double bass player and her vocal range and improvisational vocabulary will only improve with age. People need to realize that achieving these heights of musicianship result from a deep passion; obsession if you will, for music in general and a relentless pursuit of their desire to accomplish set personal music goals. Thousands of hours alone practicing, repeating the same phrases hundreds of times that go by in an instant on stage. It takes a certain personality. The joy you get out if it is your reward. But, a reminder, she put her hands on the instrument for the first time that fateful day also to start her own journey "one step at a time ". So if you want it bad don't delay, start today. I will play til the end also.

[@IndigoBassNotes]

Yes Brother.

[@dxwallace55]

preach brother....luckily for some of us, we don't have to deal with the thousands of hours of practice, I'm talking about us that are the consumers of the music. We have to invest two seconds when a song starts to like it. Such as this song with me, heard it the first time just now and loved it.

[@SteffiLynn06]

Thank you for this. My daughter is a bassist and before she found Esperanza, she never thought she could make a career out of it because she is a little black girl. Crushed my heart to hear her say that. I am gong to ask her to read your comment so she can continue to be inspired to push herself toward that goal. She's 10 & bass & chorus are her favorite parts of school.

[@janetheobscure3426]

This is really inspiring

[@MrCcoolg]

@@SteffiLynn06 Also remind her that the drummer in this video is the great Terri Lyn Carrington who once told Sheila E. that she was inspired to play drums because of Sheila. She just has to be dedicated to the craft but I'm sure that your support will help keep her focused. I wish you and your daughter well.

[@callista6813]

Esperanza deserves all the recognition she can get. Every time I see her improv she just blows me away! 🎼

[@anakin.2956]

Glasper, Carrington and Spalding on on stage at the same time!!! talk about a dream collaboration!!

[@amileoj9043]

The communication here between Spalding and Glasper is astonishing. There are moments where he seems headed for a virtuoso run that could spoil the balance but then, at the slightest phrase from her, his flow ebbs and she comes in with a new statement. It's really quite a demonstration of the ability of great musicians to listen to one another and create a whole greater than the sum of its parts.

[@sidlopez4599]

well.....there it is, hm?

[@sarahsamuels9088]

Phenomenal!Terry Lynne Carrington also When masters unite...

[@neiljouini8232]

@@sarahsamuels9088 D

[@winstonwolfe5733]

Playing bass for Esperanza means being braver than brave (y)

[@derrik-bosse]

she's a better singer by far

[@oksyi]

@@derrik-bosse ddzzzdzzzzzzzzzz

[@derrik-bosse]

@@oksyi is that a good or a bad sound lol

[@barneycarbajaliii5572]

Thought the very same thing.

[@desmorga6757]

Most useless job lol, playing bass for one of the best bass players on the planet

[@RobertDimbleby]

Esperanza Spalding's scat improv is so well controlled it's amazing!

[@Ri_kelly]

Dream of a land my soul is from I hear a hand stroke on a drum Shades of delight cocoa hue Rich as the night, afro blue Elegant boy, beautiful girl Dancing for joy, delicate whirl Shades of delight cocoa hue Rich as the night, afro blue Two lovers dance face to face with undulating grace They gently sway then slip away to some secluded place Shades of delight cocoa hue Rich as the night, afro blue Dream of a land my soul is from I hear a hand stroke on a drum Shades of delight cocoa hue Rich as the night afro blue Elegant boy, beautiful girl Dancing for joy, delicate whirl Shades of delight cocoa hue Rich as the night afro blue Two lovers dance face to face with undulating grace They gently sway then slip away to some secluded place Shades of delight cocoa hue Rich as the night afro blue

[@sidlopez4599]

Tang sa mee da , 👌

[@jeanettesdaughter]

That’s it, that’s us at our best. Love.

[@sirenwavemtv8334]

Being Esperanza Spalding's bassist must feel kinda weird. It would be sort of like sitting in guitar for Jimi Hendrix.

[@sirenwavemtv8334]

@Milán Nagy true true

[@derrik-bosse]

@@sirenwavemtv8334 I did not mean for this to turn into a rant, and I don't want you to think I took your statement too seriously, or don't partly agree. And I find these kinds of conversations fun. But I would be more scared as Sting's drummer as his ear was too good, and he always wants HIS idea of the backbeat. Esperanza seems very expressive and asks people to play because she wants "them" all over her song. Jimi Hendrix changed everything though. With Esperanza, it just seems like if you took an average Jaco impersonator, Erykah Badu, mixed it with King Crimson, and sprinkled Thelonious Monk all over it. A salad of great sounds, but nowhere near revolutionary. . . I think most bassists who aren't afraid to speak their mind would say she's just another bassist in the dust of Jaco, while maintaining respect for her overall talent as a singer and musician; she is among the top. But as a bassist, you need to discover, for example, some of the bass players coming out of Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and more, right now. They have their own sound, and it's colossal. I guarantee the more you listen to Esperanza next to some of these other bass players, you'll know these statements are neither a bash on her, or in the taste of some talentless critic who doesn't understand music.

[@sirenwavemtv8334]

Derrik Bosse oh for sure bassists coming out of South America are (Argentina and Brazil) are really something else with an incredible Latin based language. But if I’m honest after learning the bassline to this song I was in disbelief with how intuitive and genius it is.

[@justinclark2126]

Well do know this isn’t here song or arrangement, she’s playing with Robert Glasper here, this is his arrangement of Afro-Blue, the recording has Derek Hodge playing bass.

[@derrik-bosse]

@@justinclark2126 the original Mongo version, to me, is untouchable in taste and quality. Although it's unknown if he wrote this melody or it is an ancient folk melody.

[@rbsprods3200]

I watch this video over and over. Thanks to Esperanza, Robert, Ben, Terri Lyne, Ben, and thank you, Victor Comegato for the video.

[@jryuwah]

This was actually Robert Glasper's Arrangement off his album. Esperanza is singing the part that Erykah Badu sang on the Black Radio album lol

[@malcomhopkinson4042]

Fantastic... I have listened to all the other versions of Mongo Santamaria's Afro Blue, this one very definitely gets my approval... the flute of Dale Barlow behind Esperanza's vocals is haunting and stays with me, the piano of Robert Glasper and Terri Lyne Carrington on drums with bass by Ben Williams... absolutely spot on... I love it... will play it again... and tomorrow again... Malcolm in Toronto Oct 2021

[@natemickens88]

I finally learned the bass part to this.........Solid piece of work Ms. Spalding💖

[@bluesyrocker6050]

Esperanza's rendition and improvisation is just perfect for this song!👍👏💙

[@WhovianBen]

Esperanza Spalding and Robert Glasper. Once in a lifetime.

[@evon3535]

The people who disliked this video must have been blinded by their tears, because there's still good music in this generation, and accidentally hit the wrong button.

[@waynematthews8165]

Only seeing this 10 years late, but glad I have. Esperanza is sublime on this! An all-star line up!

[@thatomothothi8874]

I hate how overwhelmed I feel...❤️💔😭

[@atakpuikhide45]

My Gawd, Beautiful!

[@AudreyHallPresents]

Yes indeed. More please.

[@danjv]

Esperanza is a phenomenon in music today. Her proficiency on different instruments earned her an appointment as Professor of the Practice of Music at Harvard University. This is a wonderful rendition of a Jazz standard from Mongo Santa Maria. Oscar Brown's lyrics and she adds magic.

[@rbsprods3200]

A marvelous version of Mongo Santamaria's immortal "Afro Blue" with Oscar Brown's poetic words, played by an outstanding, all-star ensemble. Thanks, Victor. I've watched it over and over.

[@AndreaMcNeely220]

Too much awesomeness for the stage! Everyone was outstanding especially Robert Glasper -- love his piano. Loved this fresh arrangement of Afro Blue. It would be great if they recorded this for release.

[@evellynpires6582]

I love her voice, perfect 💜

[@fishnet-lv4tz]

Evellyn have u heard Erykah Badu version it is incredible.

[@lovegoddess3912]

fishnet9002 9002 Yes it is! Miss Badu made this her own.

[@weaq84]

I am writing this message as an authority on music, telling you just how good Esperanza Spalding is. Without this judgement from me, you wouldn't have the first idea that she is amazing, but since I am a musical authority, you now know. You're welcome.

[@zampide]

By the 1950s, Afro-Cuban music powered many jazz hits like this "Afro Blue" composed by the great Cuban percussionist Mongo Santamaría that became the first true jazz standard built on a 3:2 clave pattern. The music became increasingly mainstream, and eventually non-Cuban musicians ran with the form and continue 70y after.

[@joz411no8]

I so love Glasper's interpretation of this song. Spalding is briliant.

[@danieldelossan]

Robert Glasper, your fingers can do everything.

[@hypemabajee]

that's what she said !

[@ianmorton4136]

What a beautiful lassie, great singer, great band

[@bluesyrocker6050]

Her interpretation and improvisation of this song is just perfect in my opinion. 👍👏💙

[@jazzblossom4122]

The drummer is soooo freaking cool!!

[@Below-Average_Joe]

Jazz Blossom , Terry Lynne Carrington has been great since she was a teenager.

[@portalznqgcienciaartemarit595]

She and her banda are so amazing!! Excelence in Jazz

[@NiVaLiVaCiVa1996]

As a forever-jazz-lover, I can tell you one thing...this is PURE GOLD. One may think Spalding's voice is not strong enough for the song, but that's a thing called vocal control. She doesn't have to sing in a modal voice all the time. It shows a lot more skills, when there's variation, when ever you play a song. Anyway, this an amazing colab!

[@izumie8600]

I totally agree with you.

[@mamuwaldevoudoupractitione3518]

Josefine B.M. You're A Hater! LMAO!!! This broad is super sexy and talented and original and classy and fun and 24k GOLD!!! She's Yummy! Yes She Is, Sweetie!

[@diamondwebb5749]

Yazz

[@debbiehampton818]

Josefine B.M. I agree with you it's,2018 and I am watching this nice live jazz from her, her voice is not strong but to me she has a sultry voice, I enjoyed listening to her, love the way she plays the bass, Ms. Spalding is a classy lady, the late Sarah Vaughan she would tear the song up, but Ms. Spalding is still a good singer, she is so beautiful, I love the way she dress, wears her hair which I support her style, yes I wear my hair like her ,she is so classy not like some of these young female performer, they can sing but look like too much is showing, she has the whole package Ms, Spalding, love her voice will get stronger later , but for now I think she is great.

[@huszakzsoka]

Yes that's true But maybe tooo yang or Maybe other key could be better But verry talent

[@portalznqgcienciaartemarit595]

Music History all times...we love 💕 You Esperanza !!

[@utube0803]

Wow!!!! Nothing short of amazing! Singer and musicians!

[@DJGort]

Chile, chile chile. uncompromising beauty.

[@SandyRed881]

This is Grown music! love it!

[@red2house1]

You so right queen

[@gerardo.chavez6072]

I'm a hard rocker but Esperanza put a spell on me. Wow she is amazing.

[@seabslew]

Esperanza is the most exciting, sexiest, coolest, beautiful female singer in the world. She doesn't just sing the music, she becomes the music.

[@markkubiak8296]

Right on! I don't need to say it. You just did.

[@seabslew]

Shaw Taylor Amazing, Shaw, we must have very similar taste. Al is my all time favorite male singer. I saw him in person three times at SPAC in the eighties.

[@AudreyHallPresents]

... and is the music. As is Mr Glasper, Ms Carrington and co...

[@seabslew]

@@AudreyHallPresents Totally agree!!

[@kazuhikofujita5865]

Good Basist, Ben Williams!

[@Alan-zi2rs]

What a beautiful singing voice Esperanza Spalding 🎤🎶🎶🎶👍👌

[@Owen_plays_music1049]

We need more artists like that in 2019

[@stevemartin4249]

Not just the singer, but the song and full band performance, especially Glasper. I'm in love.

[@shewhoiskay1]

Mr Robert Glasper is a GENIUS! PEACE & ALWAYS LOVE TILL-TIME INDEFINITE ♡

[@howardwhitehead2167]

Love her perfect performance in this show,she’s so beautiful and her voice is awesome.❤😊

[@IggyYTube]

this is too beautiful ... blown away ! Respect !

[@manudibash]

simply beautiful

[@themixscientist]

The best way I can describe this is like 5 friends having a great conversation.

[@deeliciousplum]

After having spent a handful of hours exploring a debate, this beautiful rendition and the playfulness and mastery of these musician's musicians are such a treat to my l'il senses!

[@morongwemoutloatse4361]

Real, good, wholesome music...so refreshing!

[@rafaeldielos]

Beautiful... Esperanza playing with Glasper.

[@Hottestsummer]

This song is so relaxing..I love it

[@Sounzgudd]

I love everything about this woman.

[@mpcre8tivepayton260]

that was beautiful!

[@Evaswi]

two of my favourite artists in one song-great!!!

[@abbierobinson6873]

She's having so much fun!

[@MeryTarakanova]

Dream of a land my soul is from I hear a hand stroke on a drum Shades of delight, cocoa hue Rich as a night, Afro blue Elegant boy, beautiful girl Dancing for joy, delicate whirl Shades of delight, cocoa hue Rich as a night, Afro blue Two young lovers are face to face With undulating grace They gently sway then slip away to some secluded place Shades of delight, cocoa hue Rich as a night, Afro blue Whispering trees echo their sighs Passionate pleas, tender replies Shades of delight, cocoa hue Rich as a night, Afro blue Lovers on flight, upward they glide Burst at the height, slowly subside Shades of delight, cocoa hue Rich as a night, Afro blue And my slumbering fantasy Assumes reality Until it seems it's not a dream, the two are you and me Shades of delight, cocoa hue Rich as a night, Afro blue

[@fredricmontana5420]

Tell me how not be in love with this?

[@estelajimenez670]

Excellent

[@Spinz99]

The awesomeness.

[@willpruden9040]

mannnn this is my kind music. Dream collaboration with Rob and miss Ez. wish theyd put out some kind of project

[@tlulahmoon]

well now that is done! EXPOSURE... and it is sooooo fine.

[@Gestureye7x]

TRUE SOUL MUSIC! I really love Robert Glasper piano playing! It's 2 make mention along with the beautiful vocals by the lovely Esperanza! Shades of delight and wonderful essence in this performance! Sets the standard 4 what it means 2 be an artist! This is so RICH! I found my gold with this!

[@Thefrenchiie]

She's really a musical beast !

[@anquinasraquel8897]

Is that Ronnie Laws on flute?...

[@markkubiak8296]

Esperanza is stunning in every way conceivable. She provides the excitement the music needs to carry it forward in to the future...

[@jeanettesdaughter]

US at our best. Elegant boys, beautiful girls dancing for joy in an elegant world. Best version EVER. Check out Oscar Brown, Jr from back in the day.

[@eliasschmauss9843]

amazing performance! licc at 5:37

[@douse89]

i love Erykah Badu's version but her version was just as beautiful. 😊👏😍

[@reneortegamoreno4022]

Artists don't usually make justice to the original versions, but this is just on par.

[@tanxeria]

Her improvisation is amazing, hard to find singers with that gift. Many can sing, but this is just something else

[@JoshNpublicgplus]

Just in case people don't know, Erykah and Glasper's version was not the original of Afro Blue, although this is a cover of their arrangement. The original is by Mongo Santamaria with lyrics later done by Oscar Brown. Another famous version was done by John Coltrane a few years later in 1963.

[@rbsprods3200]

For a different smoking treatment of "Afro Blue", try jazz singer supreme Gregory Porter with Harold Mabern on piano, Eric Alexander on tenor sax, John Webber on double bass and Joe Farnsworth on drums with support from trumpeter Jeremy Pelt and trombonist Steve Turre. Caution: may set off your smoke detector. (It's on KZbin currently)

[@kabb100st]

Another version was by Diane Reeves

[@bmuhamad]

Absolutely splendid version.

[@Tahesha-gh8tx]

I'm new fan of her work. Love her sound and her versatility.

[@ltcuffey]

Esperanza elegante'! what a lovely version, good to see TLC back. Glassy is classy always....cheers!

[@Ivandofogo]

Love Esperanza & Robert. Afro Blue is DOPE . Thanks Robert Glasper

[@zed9zed]

I love this so much. I could listen to her (and music like this) nonstop.

[@lucyhoward8044]

So beautiful!

[@quantumo2099]

I wanna be Spaulding's microphone, respectfully. Damn she's burning in beauty!

[@BigMommaEnt.]

I just started watching her....she's a phenomenal bassist

[@gphig38]

amazing !! and you ad Robert Glasper .. Im loving IT !!!

[@omarthompson3957]

this redition of Mongo Santa Maria is a Brilliant Tribute to the Artist..... Love This New Vibe GENIUS!!!!😊✌️💗....... Hears she was awarded a position as Professor @ Harvard!!!😊... Well Done... Sista Esperanza Spaulding!!!!😉✌️💗

[@DeKontee2010]

I always to hear Esperanza do covers! Wild is the Wind is my favorite thus far and Can't Help It!

[@giuliardizanetta1082]

Fantastic live!!!thanks Mr.Victor

[@missjoe1877]

Jazz still alive ! Robert and Esperanza are so talented..

[@martinnijman6575]

What a nice classy combination these splendid artist....

[@samuelraysmith9143]

Great sound loved Es's presentation of the piece.

[@sizwendlanzi8181]

WHAT! GLASPER & ESPERANZA, this is MAGIC!

[@jocapamusician]

Wow ,the very first time i see Esperanza Spalding singing and dancing so beautiful without bein playing her instrument !

[@derickforreal4191]

I'm a huge cotrain fan..iv never heard this performed by anyone else..awsome rendition

[@tommyd.743]

I'm pretty much speechless..... DAMN!

[@ransomqhouhx7]

This music transcends

[@howardwhitehead2167]

The brothers killin it though on bass.

[@jeanettesdaughter]

He kept up, innit⁉️

[@tajmabruno]

Beautiful rendition by the talented Esperanza Spalding.

[@mizpahboy7513]

Vastly underrated talent. A maverick recording artist

[@nattynativekid17]

This is my favorite version. A.K.A. GREATEST VERSION!!!

[@dansaghin1]

erykah, anybody?!

[@Ori024]

+Dan Saghin YES! just heard her version. Erykah is my Fav, but this is a better version due to her being a musician and probably more seasoned with the scatting and improv of classis jazz

[@dansaghin1]

+Cyn H yes you like it but... you have to stick to the genre, don't mix it, certain songs require certain skills... no scat and hunting for high notes and such, the song requires simplicity and sticking to the simple melody... those down with funk and soul know what I mean...

[@Ori024]

Ummm...if ur implying Im not down with funk and soul, thats a bit much, lol/smh. She didnt go overboard at all here. She found her place in the melody and placed adlibs n such where needed. This was "simply" beautiful. Ones knowledge/experience in a particular area can cause one to be rigid and too critical. 2 artists will hve 2 different interpretations of a piece...

[@dansaghin1]

+Cyn H Erykah is more experienced, that`s all it comes to... I play jazz, soul, funk and more... I`m sure Esperanza is not 100% happy with her performance in this clip and would probably agree with me...

[@marywilson6354]

Love this vibe of this song and her voice

[@jdgonzo1982]

wow...this lady is music...you can see it's everything she lives for...rare these days... x

[@elkevormfenne9240]

AMAZING MUSIC🎼🎹🎼🎸🔊🎼 AMAZING VOICE 🎼🎙🎼🎁🕪 Thank you Experanza Spalding &Robert Glasper👌

[@marcosantiago681]

Muito linda! Canta muito. Que voz aveludada, sonoridade impar. 👋👋👋👋

[@jcyberj]

A great original version. As to those who post "cold" (no understanding of jazz), it's not like the t\Top 100. Artists do not have to recreate the composition over and over again verbatim. That's why they are creative artists and not just musicians. A shout out to Terri Lyne and Esperanza from Boston, MA! Enjoyed both as youngsters, too.

[@CasualSum1]

+Jimi Cyber I agree overall, but jazz is as much about variation, as it is about respect to the source material and that is lacking here.

[@bcdrummer1962]

CasualSum1, my opinion: I don't feel any lack of respect here, just musicians exploring and interpreting a tune their way on that night. I am curious why you feel this tune is disrespectful to the source material? Thanks, not trying to be argumentative but interested in the subject of "how far out is too far"......

[@lorenzoola7982]

Coltrane didn't respect de source in my favourite things

[@jcyberj]

What are you saying?

[@6Tbone]

WOWWWW!!!!! thank you for Sharing! ❤

[@jean-michelmouette493]

Vraiment les fées ont dû se pencher sur son berceau pour la doter de tant de talents : un sens irréprochable du tempo, une voix qui vous emporte et une grâce qui confine à la perfection !

[@seabslew]

"WOW"!

[@teem5945]

I'm totally smitten by the chords and progressions here.

[@TheBlkac1]

that was DOPE!she rocked that!