new music: esperanza spalding formally introduces us to inner-child “emily” with the release of her much-anticipated “emily’s d+evolution”

The “D+Evolution” is Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding’s fifth studio album—the title, a play on Spalding’s step back from contemporary jazz to explore progressive, thumping drums and visceral electric guitar. “Emily” being Spalding’s boisterous childhood alter-ego. Still grounded firmly in the world of jazz (particularly in Spalding’s lyrical, soaring vocals), ‘D+Evolution’ is jazz meeting art-rock, meeting theatre. Spalding masterly stacks harmonies, prominent piano and bass features that are bold and pronounced but never overpower Spalding’s vocals. It’s very Stephen Sondheim, very musical theatre. “Emily’s D+Evolution” is a gorgeous collection of music that is anything but a “devolution” from Spalding’s previous work. You can check out the full album on Tidal or Spotify. Watch the videos for “One” and “Good Lava” down below!

Photos: Holly Andres

www.esperanzaspalding.com
www.facebook.com/EsperanzaSpalding
twitter.com/EspeSpalding

*Erin White is an Atlanta-based writer and AFROPUNK’s editorial and social media assistant. You can follow her on Tumblr or friend her on Facebook. Have a pitch or an inquiry? Shoot her an email at erin@afropunk.com.