Esperanza Spalding

If “esperanza” is the Spanish word for hope, then bassist, vocalist, composer and winner of the 2011 Grammy Award for Best New Artist, Esperanza Spalding could not have been given a more fitting name at birth. Blessed with uncanny instrumental chops, a multi-lingual voice that is part angel and part siren, and a natural beauty that borders on the hypnotic,the 25-year-old prodigy-turned-pro might well be the hope for the future of jazz and instrumental music.
Berklee College of Music was the place where the pieces all came together and doors started opening for Esperanza. In addition to the studying and the teaching, the Berklee years also created a host of networking opportunities. Spalding had the chance to work with several notable artists, including pianist Michel Camilo, vibraphonist Dave Samuels, bassist Stanley Clarke, guitarist Pat Metheny, singer Patti Austin, and saxophonists Donald Harrison and Joe Lovano.