About this album
Where they were
Released on August 9, 2024, 'Milton + Esperanza' marks Esperanza Spalding's artistic evolution following her Grammy-winning project '12 Little Spells'. At this point in her career, she had established herself as a boundary-pushing artist, blending genres and exploring complex themes, positioning this album as a celebration of Brazilian music and culture.
Why it matters
This album is significant for its ambitious collaboration with Brazilian musician Milton Nascimento, which garnered critical acclaim and highlighted the merging of American jazz with Brazilian musical traditions. Its influence was evident in revitalizing interest in cross-cultural music collaborations within the contemporary jazz scene.
Essential tracks
- "Cais" — This track exemplifies Spalding's ability to weave intricate harmonies with rich storytelling, showcasing her vocal prowess alongside Nascimento's iconic style.
- "Earth Song" — With its powerful lyrical themes of unity and connection to nature, this song stands out as a poignant anthem resonating deeply with listeners.
- "Saudade dos aviões da Panair (Conversando no bar)" — This track captures the essence of nostalgia while blending traditional Brazilian sounds with modern sensibilities, illustrating Spalding's innovative approach to music.
- "Get It by Now" — The infectious groove and upbeat energy of this track reflect Spalding’s knack for creating accessible yet deeply layered music that invites repeated listens.
Release Date
August 9, 2024
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 The Music Was There 0:57
- 2 Cais 3:41
- 3 Late September 1:26
- 4 Outubro 5:17
- 5 A Day in the Life 4:36
- 6 Interlude for Saci 1:41
- 7 Saci 3:29
- 8 Wings for the Thought Bird 3:06
- 9 The Way You Are 0:43
- 10 Earth Song 6:42
- 11 Morro Velho 5:15
- 12 Saudade dos aviões da Panair (Conversando no bar) 5:24
- 13 Um vento passou (Para Paul Simon) 4:36
- 14 Get It by Now 2:24
- 15 Outro planeta 2:06
- 16 When You Dream 9:26
