Esperanza Spalding

Esperanza Spalding is a Grammy award-winning American jazz bassist, cellist, and singer who integrates diverse genres into her compositions. Influenced by her multi-cultural heritage, she incorporates Portuguese phrasing and modern sounds into her work, citing jazz legends Ron Carter and Dave Holland as major influences. After being encouraged by Pat Metheny to pursue music, Spalding became one of the youngest instructors at Berklee College of Music. Her breakout success includes winning the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2011. Her albums, such as Chamber Music Society and Radio Music Society, have topped the US Jazz charts and achieved significant commercial success.