Every few years, a new artist comes along with talent and potential so great that it challenges and redefines the common perceptions of what jazz is and where itÂ’s heading. The new light on the horizon may be a compelling vocalist one year, or perhaps an unmatched instrumental virtuoso a few years later, or maybe a brilliant composer a few more years down the road.

Bassist/vocalist/composer Esperanza Spalding is all of these things and more.