“The marketing slice of what beauty means to the world at large, at least in this culture, is soooo thin.... I’ve even had people giving me pressure to fix the gap in my teeth. I didn’t lose a tooth- it’s just how I was born. But there’s, like, a fear that somehow that imperfection in my appearance would affect people’s ability to access the art I’m making..... Beauty means so many different things.” --- Esperanza Spalding
Even though it might seem absurd on the surface I can actually picture some fool saying "Love the music, her playing is superior to most, she can sing well too, but that little dental gap on one side is a deal breaker for me. I'll go back to listening to Billie Eilish." Geez!
The sexiest thing in the entire world...bowed bass in jazz. In my dreams, I am half the musician this young woman is. Just wow. This is truly wonderful.
Absolutely agree. Actually I think her level of musicianship so far exceeds what the Grammy's are even able to comprehend. Usually just a popularity contest. It was wonderful to see an actual musician get recognized as a new artist.
My daughter plays Double Bass, and this is precisely the sort of performance that I think will inspire her to carry on and improve. Amazing! h/t Randy Resnick for pointing me here!
Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Kim, Rihanna and the like, take notice. This young woman is pure class, producing the highest quality music with little to no regard for commercial success; doing it with grace, elegance, and beauty, positively representing our people.
***** Obviously, you don't know what quality art is and that there could be diversity in quality art. Personally, based on your response, you consider popular artist acting like strippers and prostitutes in their music videos as quality art and acceptable values or guidelines for black youth. Not too long ago I was driving by a gas station which was location on a busy street in a major city in Florida; I notice something that was very amusing to me. It was a young black woman twirking in the most provocative way possible. This while pumping gas at this gas-station. I am sure in her mind this was acceptable public behavior. In my mind this is the result of the crap these so called artists are feeding these young people. I don’t see people from other communities doing this; and if I or the other motorists passing by wanted to see this type of entertainment, there are places for that; they are called Strip Joints! I don’t have a problem with her (or any woman for that matter) expressing herself in that way.. I do however have a problem with her expressing herself that way in public! Would it be OK for your little sister, or daughter to conduct herself in this manner? Well, this is how the music and images from these so called artists are telling them how to act. You mistakenly labeled me as being sexist, rather than someone who has sound values. I myself love and respect women.My wife is a women, my daughter is a women, my Mom is a women and my sister is a woman. These are all the people I value most. By the way, I have same opinion for male popular artists who display poor images and presents destructive thoughts for our young people to use to guide their lives. By your last two words towards me, I am convinced that you are one of their converts.
***** OK.. I have to admit, you do have some good points about the traditional African dance stuff. Perhaps I am a bit old in my thinking. However, it is because I am experienced in life, why I know how the greater society have particular views about our people/community and use those stereotypes to judge us continuously. In most cases, not even being conscious that they are doing so. When we feed into those stereotypes, the results are discrimination in employment, quality of services, public and group acceptance, career advancements, appointments to leadership opportunities outside of our community, and as we have seen in Florida, sometimes this discrimination even result in violence. As an highly capable professional, I have seen far less capable professionals advance over me, simply because those who were in a position to promote had difficulty envisioning people like me in high profile leadership roles outside of our community. Perhaps some of this insight is what is driving my views. It is not because I am sexist. Younger people, who I am assuming you are, generally don't get this. Who is going to hire the young guy with his pants waste hovering around his knees so he has to hold it up with his left hand. How can they have respect for women who wear multicolored fake European or Asian textured wigs, when they don't even have an appreciation for their own beautiful natural hair; and who feel that their only value to society is showing off their naturally beautiful and shapely asses. Even the ones who don't take care of their bodies, in many cases, feel it's OK to show it off, because that where they feel their value to society is. Please keep in mind that I don't think for one minute that it is all black women that are like this. The ones that I am referring to need to taught that they a blessed with many virtues, and their sexuality is only one of them. Young women like Esperanda Spalding and Lupita Nyong'o represents the excellence I am speaking about. They, in spectacular ways, demonstrate the positivity that can be achieved when young black women, and people in general for that matter, when they are provided with proper guidance, and are thought to love themselves. This is my non sexist view.
This is not an issue of race. There are both good and bad white people, as there are good and bad people of every race. Also, I am not sexist; I believe black women as with all women, should have the right to present themselves the way they want as individuals. My concern is that as a group, black women seem to be trapped in presenting themselves one-dimensionally in the media. Basically over sexualized creatures who have to rely on their God given assets in order to be accepted. This is why I appreciate artists like Esperanza Spalding and Janelle Monet who still manage to present a high level of sex appeal and class without having to show most of their private parts to the world. As the father, son, brother, and husband of black women, it matters to me a great deal how they are viewed and treated in the world.
We're lucky enough to have seen her perform live three times, and they are all extremely memorable experiences. She doesn't just play and sing, she makes a show of it. She's that rare quadruple phenom - wonderful compositions, virtuosic playing, a voice like an angel, plus she's so easy on the eyes. This lady is tops in my book.
I just became aware of Esperanza a short time ago. While I had said that I was through attending concerts (price, crowds ,already had seen 50+ in 40yrs) I will happily go see her should she come to a town near me.
James Shropshire My two year old granddaughter can barely sit still for any given waking moment, but she sits entranced and motionless when I play Esperanza's "Little Fly" video. She is hypnotized!
This is certainly my favorite cover of Wild Is The Wind. Its like she inserted a piece of her soul into this song and tied it with a bow and gave it to her listening audience as a gift. She is truly talented its sad that i am so enthralled with her artistry but i adore her geez she is amazing
This is NOT Simone's composition. It was written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington, who also composed Town Without Pity. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimitri_Tiomkin www.imdb.com/name/nm0006323/
Correction, this is what wiki sad about the song: "Wild Is the Wind" is a song written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington. The track was originally recorded by Johnny Mathis for the 1957 film Wild Is the Wind. The song was very popular and was one of five songs nominated for an Academy Award; it was sung by Johnny Mathis at the March 1958 Oscar presentations.
She is very talented... but she's not the only one I have found with mind-blowing music talent. Have you ever heard of Jacob Collier? You're welcome :)
I first stumbled upon this version of Nina Simone‘s classic about six or seven years ago. I played it after making love to the love of my life… Every word and every bit of this song had to be one of the most beautiful versions ever, and the fact that she puts her all into it makes it all the timeless ❤
For me, the whole song is a beautiful package for the one note at 6:26. It's like falling and flying at the same time. When I first heard the song I knew I had to ration myself on listenings so the effect wouldn't lessen. Thanks for posting. Great live version.
I have set this on repeat..Esperanza epitomizes the pure and undiluted power of her talent. She has not compromised the beautiful genre in which she represents. The delivery is incredible and it keeps me in a constant state of craving more. Oh how the jazz world has been strengthend with your presence...I have had a watchful eye for a few years now and still I am continuously awestruck!
Just keep your ear to the street, man. She's been doing excellent stuff since '06 or '07 or so and just keeps getting better. She came around just in time too.. because the jazz scene was leaving me flat for awhile. She really raised the bar, and a lot of folks are stepping up. Much needed vitality and talent in this young girl. For anyone that doubts that Coltrane is God, let it be known he sent a prophet just when it was needed.
This song is pure beauty, amazing. I put my ipod on repeat and listen to this song all day sometimes. It's people like her that inspire me.. If there was music like this on the radio, I wouldn't have a need for headphones on every trip.
I'm 16, but I was never reallly never a hip hop person. I Love jazz music because of the history behind it and basically a classy feel behind it. Keep moving forward Esperanza! Show the people what real music is.
I am OBSESSED with this song. Esperanza is a musical genius. I am very pleased to know that creativity and REAL artists are winning awards now. I can't wait for her new album to come out!!
This song drives me wild. I play it for my love all the time, because that is how I feel. I wish that i could be half as good a musician as she is. Love you Esperanza!
this lady is amazing!! she has a soulful voice, play the jazz double bass like some of the jazz legends and her beauty comes out through her music! i can't wait till her new album drops.
this is the other song I saw last week on a tip to Texas in a motel room on Austin City Limits. Im a new fan. this music haunts me.wierd but so so good. thanks.
When Etta James covered a song, she owned it. Until this rendition, no one came close to Johnny Mathis’ original. This blows them ALL away. It reinterprets the song from a female perspective. Every fiber in her conveys her emotion, through resonant tones on the bass, body language, and voice. Like a sledgehammer it gets your attention. Saw her in NY and Newport, last summer, specifically to upload her on RUclips. Sadly, given her following, the view was not ideal, but she was worth the trip.
how come no one mentions Leo, the pianist... he's absolutely killing it
Leo Genovese!
An absolute master of his craft and one of the coolest guys in the scene.
This 💯❤
All of them. Killing it all! Wild as the wind.
yes he is
YASSSSS!!!!
“The marketing slice of what beauty means to the world at large, at least in this culture, is soooo thin.... I’ve even had people giving me pressure to fix the gap in my teeth. I didn’t lose a tooth- it’s just how I was born. But there’s, like, a fear that somehow that imperfection in my appearance would affect people’s ability to access the art I’m making..... Beauty means so many different things.” --- Esperanza Spalding
Genius. Could play this on my wardrobe and make it magical
Esperanza, you're a beautiful person & a musician!
Even though it might seem absurd on the surface I can actually picture some fool saying "Love the music, her playing is superior to most, she can sing well too, but that little dental gap on one side is a deal breaker for me. I'll go back to listening to Billie Eilish." Geez!
After the music I love the imperfect beauty of your teeth!!
She is so beautiful though
you can literally see and hear her focus and concentration during the performance. she is truly in her element!
If you keep coming here to listen to this again and again then it has touched your soul.
You're right.
It's been years and I keep coming back to hear her rendition...you nailed it..
I never knew she sang this song. I just start to listen. Now.
I'm number 111
Still listening in 2021. Found this when I was a sophomore in highschool.
I've been coming back here for 7 years...
9 years now✨
11 years
Has anything changed since then? (besides you getting older)
Just when you think her bass skills are the greatest thing about her, you hear something like this and..... HER VOICE OMG!!!!!
The sexiest thing in the entire world...bowed bass in jazz. In my dreams, I am half the musician this young woman is. Just wow. This is truly wonderful.
Her voice is amazing, and she truly deserved that grammy last year.
Absolutely agree. Actually I think her level of musicianship so far exceeds what the Grammy's are even able to comprehend. Usually just a popularity contest. It was wonderful to see an actual musician get recognized as a new artist.
Its amazes me how she is able to play so many instruments so elegantly, sing, and write music all at the same time. She is truly gifted.
Excuse my language, but, fucking amazing!
Ah'low it. X
*YASSSSS!!!!!!* 💕🎶💕
I'd be happy if I had just her looks, just her voice or just her musicality. She's got it all
My daughter plays Double Bass, and this is precisely the sort of performance that I think will inspire her to carry on and improve. Amazing!
h/t Randy Resnick for pointing me here!
As the poster says, "Esperanza, if you read this... I love you, marry me!"
Randy Resnick Nooooo! Marry Me!
Colman Carpente
Esperanza Spalding is a goddess
Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Kim, Rihanna and the like, take notice. This young woman is pure class, producing the highest quality music with little to no regard for commercial success; doing it with grace, elegance, and beauty, positively representing our people.
***** Obviously, you don't know what quality art is and that there could be diversity in quality art. Personally, based on your response, you consider popular artist acting like strippers and prostitutes in their music videos as quality art and acceptable values or guidelines for black youth. Not too long ago I was driving by a gas station which was location on a busy street in a major city in Florida; I notice something that was very amusing to me. It was a young black woman twirking in the most provocative way possible. This while pumping gas at this gas-station. I am sure in her mind this was acceptable public behavior. In my mind this is the result of the crap these so called artists are feeding these young people. I don’t see people from other communities doing this; and if I or the other motorists passing by wanted to see this type of entertainment, there are places for that; they are called Strip Joints! I don’t have a problem with her (or any woman for that matter) expressing herself in that way.. I do however have a problem with her expressing herself that way in public! Would it be OK for your little sister, or daughter to conduct herself in this manner? Well, this is how the music and images from these so called artists are telling them how to act. You mistakenly labeled me as being sexist, rather than someone who has sound values. I myself love and respect women.My wife is a women, my daughter is a women, my Mom is a women and my sister is a woman. These are all the people I value most. By the way, I have same opinion for male popular artists who display poor images and presents destructive thoughts for our young people to use to guide their lives. By your last two words towards me, I am convinced that you are one of their converts.
***** OK.. I have to admit, you do have some good points about the traditional African dance stuff. Perhaps I am a bit old in my thinking. However, it is because I am experienced in life, why I know how the greater society have particular views about our people/community and use those stereotypes to judge us continuously. In most cases, not even being conscious that they are doing so. When we feed into those stereotypes, the results are discrimination in employment, quality of services, public and group acceptance, career advancements, appointments to leadership opportunities outside of our community, and as we have seen in Florida, sometimes this discrimination even result in violence. As an highly capable professional, I have seen far less capable professionals advance over me, simply because those who were in a position to promote had difficulty envisioning people like me in high profile leadership roles outside of our community. Perhaps some of this insight is what is driving my views. It is not because I am sexist. Younger people, who I am assuming you are, generally don't get this. Who is going to hire the young guy with his pants waste hovering around his knees so he has to hold it up with his left hand. How can they have respect for women who wear multicolored fake European or Asian textured wigs, when they don't even have an appreciation for their own beautiful natural hair; and who feel that their only value to society is showing off their naturally beautiful and shapely asses. Even the ones who don't take care of their bodies, in many cases, feel it's OK to show it off, because that where they feel their value to society is. Please keep in mind that I don't think for one minute that it is all black women that are like this. The ones that I am referring to need to taught that they a blessed with many virtues, and their sexuality is only one of them. Young women like Esperanda Spalding and Lupita Nyong'o represents the excellence I am speaking about. They, in spectacular ways, demonstrate the positivity that can be achieved when young black women, and people in general for that matter, when they are provided with proper guidance, and are thought to love themselves. This is my non sexist view.
This is not an issue of race. There are both good and bad white people, as there are good and bad people of every race. Also, I am not sexist; I believe black women as with all women, should have the right to present themselves the way they want as individuals. My concern is that as a group, black women seem to be trapped in presenting themselves one-dimensionally in the media. Basically over sexualized creatures who have to rely on their God given assets in order to be accepted. This is why I appreciate artists like Esperanza Spalding and Janelle Monet who still manage to present a high level of sex appeal and class without having to show most of their private parts to the world. As the father, son, brother, and husband of black women, it matters to me a great deal how they are viewed and treated in the world.
I THINK YOU MEANT TO SAY REPRESENTING OUR PEOPLE
Thanks. Corrected.
it's rare to hear a live performance that's better than a studio recording these days.
This will always be my favorite live performance by her.
We're lucky enough to have seen her perform live three times, and they are all extremely memorable experiences. She doesn't just play and sing, she makes a show of it. She's that rare quadruple phenom - wonderful compositions, virtuosic playing, a voice like an angel, plus she's so easy on the eyes. This lady is tops in my book.
I just became aware of Esperanza a short time ago. While I had said that I was through attending concerts (price, crowds ,already had seen 50+ in 40yrs) I will happily go see her should she come to a town near me.
James Shropshire
We manage to attend between one and two dozen concerts by world class artists every year, and her's are at the top of the list!
Cool. Thanks for the reply
James Shropshire
My two year old granddaughter can barely sit still for any given waking moment, but she sits entranced and motionless when I play Esperanza's "Little Fly" video. She is hypnotized!
nice
This is certainly my favorite cover of Wild Is The Wind. Its like she inserted a piece of her soul into this song and tied it with a bow and gave it to her listening audience as a gift. She is truly talented its sad that i am so enthralled with her artistry but i adore her geez she is amazing
There can hardly be a person alive with that talent and charisma. My lord.
She had a whole lot of somebodies ears to win a Grammy! She is splendid! ♥
I’m obsessed with this song the past two days and I’m looking for different versions and omg this! Respect.
Thanks nina simone for this composition. And esperanza what can i say, soul wrenching.
the song is from movie Wild is the wind ....and not from Nina Simona
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Is_the_Wind_(song)
This is NOT Simone's composition. It was written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington, who also composed Town Without Pity. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimitri_Tiomkin www.imdb.com/name/nm0006323/
@@Aqualyra Nevertheless, it could be from Nina Simone. It's a great song and Nina's Version is so beautiful....
Thanks to Nina Simone for her version and for many other reasons. Thanks to the authors for the song. Let's try not to mix facts with emotions
@@raffaelloconti4972 yes, that was pure fire~!!! No circumstances needed.
This performance is the BUSINESS. Dammit. Like, I cant even find the words...
You can literally feel the music.
I keep coming here.
Me to.
Shila Iris me too, sis
Lucia121 I'm here again ya'll. It's so addictive. I love it.
Shila Iris Shhhh!!! As quietly as it is said, You're not alone lol!
Correction, this is what wiki sad about the song: "Wild Is the Wind" is a song written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington. The track was originally recorded by Johnny Mathis for the 1957 film Wild Is the Wind. The song was very popular and was one of five songs nominated for an Academy Award; it was sung by Johnny Mathis at the March 1958 Oscar presentations.
Man!!! This sister is incredible. This is why I love jazz so much.
2020...Am I the only one that keeps coming back?
The Soul! This is my favorite version of this song.
C.K. Nelson mine too, I keep searching it out.
George Michael!. (Nina Simone ) x 2019
She has an uncanny depth for someone so young. What a beautiful, amazing talent.
love that moment when the song goes with a tango swing all around. 5:10
no denying pure pure cosmic entangled creative talent ... awesome
Just so beautiful! Had to cry. :D
Thanks to Esperanza for bringing love and humanity back to jazz. I'm actually listening to jazz again. Crazy.
I don't think I've ever come across a greater talent than Esperanza! Amazing
She is very talented... but she's not the only one I have found with mind-blowing music talent. Have you ever heard of Jacob Collier? You're welcome :)
LOVE THIS PIECE.....SHE IS SUPER TALENTED
THRILLING!!!!! She is truly exquisite!
I first stumbled upon this version of Nina Simone‘s classic about six or seven years ago. I played it after making love to the love of my life… Every word and every bit of this song had to be one of the most beautiful versions ever, and the fact that she puts her all into it makes it all the timeless ❤
Beautiful music, beautiful musicians, wonderful audience, wonderful camera - a poem
For me, the whole song is a beautiful package for the one note at 6:26. It's like falling and flying at the same time.
When I first heard the song I knew I had to ration myself on listenings so the effect wouldn't lessen.
Thanks for posting. Great live version.
Oh...My...GOD! This is the first time I've ever heard Esperanza....I...love it. She is so talented and her voice....yes...pure magic....
Walk softly here . . . this is bewitching music . . . just amazing.
Thank you for posting this. I am wiping away tears. Esperanza Spaulding is the truth.
in waves...she takes you, relentlessly. Flawless perfection..Thank you beautiful one!
thax Lord for this great interpretation, I feel the tango on it, Cheers from Argentina
Breathtaking! Fire! Incredible! Great arrangement, great vocal, great comprehension and translation of the meaning of the insane love of this song.
I love this song. One of my favourites from Esperanza.
*Me too!!!* 💕🎶💕
tHIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING IN THE WORLD. THE WAY THAT YOUNG LADY SHOWS HER LOVE FOR MUSIC IS AMAZING. IS A HONOR CAN HEAR HER.
I have set this on repeat..Esperanza epitomizes the pure and undiluted power of her talent. She has not compromised the beautiful genre in which she represents. The delivery is incredible and it keeps me in a constant state of craving more. Oh how the jazz world has been strengthend with your presence...I have had a watchful eye for a few years now and still I am continuously awestruck!
One of the best if not the best rendition of this classic ever
i love this version. you almost feel like they were on the verge of conjuring up an actual windstorm at the end.
Completely agree. That is my favorite part of this performance. I never get tired of watching this genius.
I keep on coming back here.
Absolutely beautiful!!
i'm obsesssssed, this is extremely lovely
Absolutely brilliant!!! This version ranks up there with Shirley Horns excruciatingly beautiful version
Absolutely amazing!
the album version does this song no justice. this song and one more song that has a beautiful opening solo
love it. love it love it.
Wow. Well, that was breathtaking. She took us there, she takes it home.
I have decided - the bass line that comes in at 5:17 is MADDD! So bad asssssss. Love this performance to pieces!
It just does not get any less EPIC each time I listen! This is just so Perfect!!!
I don't know what it is but my tear is coming down... 😢what a true artist🥁
Love her rendition of Nina Simone classic. Esperanza you made it your own
The original of this song is by David Bowie in 1976 from his Station to Station album. This cover is phenomenal.
Pure Perfection....this hits my core
A very emotional and moving performance by Her Royal Highness of Soul!🎻🎹🎸🎤
This is all kinds of amazing... Wow!
Linda esta música! A talentosa Esperanza dispensa elogios!
What precious interpretation!!!
This is incredibly awesome I can't describe how much the song makes me feel. So intense, increasingly perfect. A great story to be heard.
i love when an artist can touch your heart like esperanza. i get goosebumps everytime i listen to her. wow such a beautiful soul.
This hit me so hard!
This lady is amazing..for those who have'nt heard of her before she won her Grammy (finally) you heard of her now. CONGRATULATIONS you deserve it.
No words....wow
Just blow my mind, the way that she shows passion for her art
If I could like this one million times...
Just keep your ear to the street, man. She's been doing excellent stuff since '06 or '07 or so and just keeps getting better.
She came around just in time too.. because the jazz scene was leaving me flat for awhile. She really raised the bar, and a lot of folks are stepping up. Much needed vitality and talent in this young girl.
For anyone that doubts that Coltrane is God, let it be known he sent a prophet just when it was needed.
so magical, i forgot to breath while watching this video....
I love Esperanza! She is a jazz legend!
Beautiful, never heard of her before, but now I'm a fan!
amazing, favorite new artist = her and janelle monae
One of my favorites that she has done. My God, such musical genius!
I don't think I've heard anything more beautiful.
HOLY CRAP!! She is...just wow!
Love this abstract version
This song is pure beauty, amazing. I put my ipod on repeat and listen to this song all day sometimes. It's people like her that inspire me.. If there was music like this on the radio, I wouldn't have a need for headphones on every trip.
She is too awesome!!!!
I'm 16, but I was never reallly never a hip hop person. I Love jazz music because of the history behind it and basically a classy feel behind it. Keep moving forward Esperanza! Show the people what real music is.
Mad Musical skills, she has!!! She it a Shining Star! She has her own style!!
I am OBSESSED with this song. Esperanza is a musical genius. I am very pleased to know that creativity and REAL artists are winning awards now. I can't wait for her new album to come out!!
Damn I'm late.
Oh... this is soooo excellent!
This song drives me wild. I play it for my love all the time, because that is how I feel. I wish that i could be half as good a musician as she is. Love you Esperanza!
OMFG!!!!! What an incredible and powerful performance!!!! This is the material that real music is made off. What a voice!!!!! Cant get over it!
this lady is amazing!! she has a soulful voice, play the jazz double bass like some of the jazz legends and her beauty comes out through her music! i can't wait till her new album drops.
I can't forgive myself for not discovering this gorgeous talent until now...
this is the other song I saw last week on a tip to Texas in a motel room on Austin City Limits. Im a new fan. this music haunts me.wierd but so so good. thanks.
Masterpiece, nothing short of.
Incredible....love her
When Etta James covered a song, she owned it. Until this rendition, no one came close to Johnny Mathis’ original. This blows them ALL away. It reinterprets the song from a female perspective. Every fiber in her conveys her emotion, through resonant tones on the bass, body language, and voice. Like a sledgehammer it gets your attention. Saw her in NY and Newport, last summer, specifically to upload her on RUclips. Sadly, given her following, the view was not ideal, but she was worth the trip.