Esperanza (Esperanza Spalding album)

Esperanza is the second studio album by American jazz bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding, released on May 20, 2008, by Heads Up International. The album showcases Spalding's distinctive blend of jazz, Brazilian music, and other genres, highlighting her virtuosic bass playing, sophisticated songwriting, and unique vocal style.

The album features a mix of original compositions and interpretations of jazz standards, sung in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Notable tracks include "Ponta de Areia," a Milton Nascimento composition, and "I Know You Know," showcasing Spalding's scat singing abilities.

Esperanza received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its musicality, originality, and Spalding's exceptional talent. It reached number 138 on the Billboard 200 chart and remained on the chart for four weeks. The album further solidified Spalding's position as a rising star in the jazz world and helped pave the way for her subsequent Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2011.

The album's personnel include Esperanza Spalding on vocals and bass, as well as a variety of guest musicians playing instruments such as piano, drums, saxophone, and percussion.

Esperanza is considered a significant work in Spalding's discography, showcasing her early development as a composer and performer and demonstrating her commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary jazz music.