The sophomore release from bassist, vocalist, and composer Esperanza Spalding blends Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and post-bop jazz with a keen ear for ballads and pop. At times, ESPERANZA sounds like world music, at other times like female vocal jazz from the 1950s, and other times like smooth, Norah Jones-ish contemporary pop. Yet instead of making for a scattershot collection, these flavors are unified beautifully in Spalding's remarkable musicianship, writing, and singing. A refreshing listen from start to finish, ESPERANZA goes down smooth, but feels substantive.

Down Beat (p.69) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Spalding sings like a cross between Minnie Riperton and Flora Purim, writes in a style recalling Milton Nascimento, and seems indebted to the rich melodies of Stevie Wonder. Her sons sing when she lets the rhythms fly high..."

JazzTimes (p.111) - "Spalding's voice slips through each of her intricately crafted arrangements as if imbued with the spirit of Flora Purim."

Vibe (p.62) - "Spalding has fashioned something cohesive and diverse, calling upon a strong coalition of musicians and the depths of her own skill."