Esperanza Spalding – Radio Music Society
Album Review by Claudia Boisvert
Pop music is catchy. Rock makes us feel good. Hip hop is dynamic. Metal lets off steam. All are popular styles (somehow) surviving to time, evolving and becoming modern through the years. They made their way with society, and therefore these are also the genres we mostly hear about. However, it is hard to completely forget more than a century of a certain style music suddenly, and this is what’s happening with jazz. Which is why there still are artists going on this way, or why 80’s artist remains popular.
She, Esperanza Spalding, is a single person, knowing how music works, and clearly volunteer to restore jazz to its initial success. With the Grammy for best new artist she won last year (beating Justin Bieber), she might be on track to do so. With five solo albums backing her up, she released Radio Music Society on the 20th of this month (March) at Heads Up International. A record who reached the 10th position on Billboard.
Her music is a mix of old classic influences such as Ron Carter (important jazz bassist), latino’s vivid roots inspired by Milton Nascimento (Brazilian singer and guitarist) and developing diverse pop elements over the years. Adept of fusion style and experimentation, Spalding is not afraid to step outside the box while remaining into the jazz wave. In all, she varies sounds and atmosphere, both with Chamber Music Society (her previous album) and Radio Music Society, two albums conceived at the same time to explore various atmosphere (intimate vs radio musics).
So, the album starts on slow tempo growing suddenly into a more complicated beat, “Radio Song”. I’d say this one is not my favorite as instruments and vocals sometimes become kind of a mess, though you can’t deny the chorus is catchy. I can’t say I’m a big fan of extended songs while Spalding seems to be the opposite (her songs varying between 4 and almost 7 minutes in length), but if you really like her, it surely is a great thing she composes long pieces ! Then eventually, “Cinnamon Tree” comes on. Let’s say I was highly surprised with this track. It totally breaks the beat I’ve been used to with “Radio Song”, bringing a slow and comfortable tempo I wasn’t ready for. But- it’s good !
“Crowned & Kissed” brings a disco note at its beginning and continues with a speed oscillating between moderately fast and slow. A beat kept for an important part of the record, even though many songs bring some new instrumental experiences. It’s the case for “Land Of The Free” and its keyboard sounds, carrying on Spalding’s low voice on a short length. The vivid rhythm is re-established with “Black Gold”, who got me hooked up with the first moments. When “I Can’t Help It” starts, you’re quite already accustomed to Radio Music Society’s atmosphere, even though the melody becomes now more suave. You still find yourself carried away with the chorus, and realize you might be bewitched by her voice.
The record goes on with the glamorous and romantic “Hold On Me”, followed by the mysterious instrumental part of “Vague Suspicions” and its slow vocals. “Endangered Species”’s rhythm is mixed with drums’ cymbals and some saxophone sounds, once again with long interlude part in between lyrics sometimes overrun by the instruments. “Let Her” lights a more casual ambiance, even if the “you are breaking up” subject isn’t really hopeful – but Spalding has this way to become closer to us and act as if it was sad, yes, but well, you somehow gotta move on. Playing down, maybe, but it’s working!
With a sweeter touch, “City of Roses” comes up next, with a moderate tempo kept the whole song long, a charming atmosphere. After almost an hour of listening, the last song on the record is “Smile Like That”. At this point, I got a little deceived, as I was awaiting a memorial finale. The song remains good, but knowing how Spalding can add great variations or outstanding vocals, it was almost disappointing. But, overall, if you’re a jazz lover, you will probably love Esperanza Spalding. And for the others, you might just as well give her a chance and see, because she’s definitely talented!
Overall Rating: 4/5
Website: http://www.esperanzaspalding.com/
