When I found out that the big upset of the Grammys was that the Beib-ster lost out on the Best New Artist to a relatively unheard of, yet oh-so-talented jazz singer, I sat up and took notice. And it sounds like pre-teen girls can get pretty intense about their new obsession not winning, so much so that I heard that the winner's Wiki page was hijacked by crazed fans of the Beiber. That made me more intrigued.
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| {Esperanza Spaulding - check out the chunky fun jewelry she wears! I want to make something just for her. I think she would dig my Bead Soup concoction ;-} |
I saw a video of her singing on stage with just that bass. It was mesmerizing watching her. I ordered her self-titled debut album from 2008.
It is heavy on the jazz. The kind of wild, frenetic ride that is popular in jazz clubs all over Chicago. Some of it has a very cultural, tribal influence, and I am not even sure what language she might be singing in some of them (Spanish?). It takes my ears some getting used to listening to this sort of jazz, because I have to get past the dissonance and competition that the instruments engage in to really hear the music. I won't lie, it is an acquired taste.
But there are gems on this album.
I like the ones that are more melodic, where I can discern the words and feel the journey that she is taking us on with her music. I also especially love good harmonies (because I sing along with her at the top of my lungs in the car ;-).
What I love about her is that she just oozes pure talent and cool. She feels the music and is one with her instrument. I have always thought that those who can sing and play something at the same time are truly talented.
I am smitten with the sound and the lyrics of the song "Precious." See if you feel the same. (Scroll down to view a video of this song performed live.)
Love me or leave me
But please
Don't deceive me
And say you
Love me how I am
You love the way
I fit some ideal
Not the real woman
You've yet to understand
See love ain't all heaven
And I am no angel
But I do the best I can
You always wanted
Something more from my body
And said you needed
Something more from my loving
But all you got was me
And that's all that I can be
I'm sorry if it let you down
Now it's no nice excuse
But all the magic was used
Up on trying to uphold
Some kind of tame
Flattering persona
That soon enough
Was getting real old
It takes more than pressure
To change rock to diamond
Now all you have is sand
Slipping through your fingers
You always wanted
Something more from my body
And said you needed
Something more from my loving
But all you got was me
And that's all that I can be
I'm sorry if it let you down
But I'm not gonna sit around
And waste
My precious divine energy
Trying to explain
And being ashamed of things
You think are wrong with me
I'm not gonna sit around
And waste
My precious divine energy
Trying to explain
And being ashamed
Of what you think
Is wrong with me
Set you up
You say I set you up
Like I was different
Than what I am
Offering you now
And drug your heart around
Did you forget about
All of the love
And the acceptance
That you promised me too?
You always wanted
Something more from my body
And said you needed
Something more from my loving
But all you got was me
And that's all that I can be
I'm sorry if it let you down
You always wanted
Something more from my body
And said you needed
Something more from my loving
But all you got was me
And that's all that I can be
I'm sorry if it let you down
But I'm not gonna sit around
And waste
My precious divine energy
Trying to explain
And being ashamed of things
You think are wrong with me
Me, I'm not gonna sit around
And waste
My precious divine energy
Trying to explain
And being ashamed
Of what you think is wrong
With melt let you down
What do you think of Esperanza?
What artists are you listening to?
Is there a song that has gripped your soul and haunts you?
What is it that gets ahold of you... the lyrics? the melodies? the harmonies?
Do tell!
She's great, I can't wait to hear more from her. I love than an "unknown" won the grammy. I really like some of Train's songs right now - I know they are poppy, but if you listen to the lyrics, he is one man who LOVES his wife!
ReplyDeleteI was really happy she won...being the wife of a jazz musician, and being a trained classial singer, it is hard to watch the these musical styles overlooked at big awards shows. I have very eclectic musical tastes from bluegrass to twangy country to straight-ahead jazz to opera and lots in between!
ReplyDeleteI was also glad to have an "unknown" win. I'd say I was also eclectic in my musical tastes--from Worship to Opera to Country and everything in between. Well, except for rap and hard rock or stuff with foul language. It's usually the melody that grabs me, but sometimes it's the words. Songs like Total Eclipse of the Heart, I Want to Know What Love Is, It's Easy to Talk, The Air that I Breathe, Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress to Ancient Words by Michael W Smith. Then there's the sax in Baker Street, or the piano playing of Richard Clayderman and Yanni, or the voice of Enya, Faith Hill, Celine Dion, Cher. Lady Antebellum, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli.....then there's Jars of Clay, Third Day, Rosanna Fiorazo, Newsboys, Don Moen, Margaret Becker, etc. I guess it is pretty varied after looking at my iPod list. :D CJ
ReplyDeleteI think she is fabulous! What talent!
ReplyDeleteFunny, I just wrote a post earlier this week partially about a DIFFERENT nominee in the same category, Mumford and Sons, who I was rooting for. I hear Esperanza's worth a listen though, and her acceptance speech was so gracious.
ReplyDeleteLove her name! Love her look! Now I need to listen to her. Anyone who beats the Biebster is tops in my book.
ReplyDeleteFunny that she's not really a 'new' artist. So glad she won and will now get the accolades she so deserves. She's been on all the talk shows the last couple of weeks - just a sweet person. Her CD will soon be added to my collection.
ReplyDeleteAnother vocalist to watch is Pia Toscano. Hearing her sing the other night, I predict she'll be the next American Idol.
beautiful voice!
ReplyDeleteI love the concept of "Precious, Divine Energy." We are all blessed with that, and we need to feel it and use it!
ReplyDeleteLove those lyrics!
ReplyDeletei too looked her up as soon as i heard about her win... i like her sound... and i love those lyrics, thank you for sharing them erin -
ReplyDeleteWell, she had me at Esperanza! What a cute, talented woman! Really good bass player and so much sexier playing the real instrument than an electric guitar. I can hear the influences of many jazz singers in her riff but she is an original! Thanks for turning me on to her-- I never watch award shows-- they are so fake and boring. We'll be hearing more from her for sure!
ReplyDelete