Esperanza Spalding and
Milton Nascimento mark their 15-year friendship on their sublime 2024 collaboration
Milton + Esperanza.
Spalding, an acclaimed singer and bassist, was first introduced to
Nascimento by
Herbie Hancock when she was visiting Brazil in the 2000s. She had long appreciated the Brazilian legend's work, steeped as it is in folk, jazz, and the homegrown MPB that he helped to define in the '60s and '70s. Out of their initial meeting came
Nascimento's guest appearance on
Spalding's Grammy-winning album
Chamber Music Society in 2010. Musically,
Spalding has long evinced the influence of artists like
Stevie Wonder and
Wayne Shorter. Both of those artists also serve as comparable touchstones for
Nascimento, who famously collaborated with
Shorter on their classic 1974 album
Native Dancer. Similarly here,
Spalding and
Nascimento are kindred musical spirits, dueting on almost every track; her bright vocal smile a perfect foil for
Nascimento's hushed baritone; one that's only gained subtle textures over the decades. 81 years old at the time of recording,
Nascimento had already embarked on a farewell tour when he decided to join
Spalding in the studio, and their work together often feels like a celebration of his life. Produced by
Spalding, the album features potent instrumental backing from her group with guitarist
Matthew Stevens, pianist
Leo Genovese, singer and keyboardist
Corey King, and drummers
Justin Tyson and
Eric Doob. There are also vibrant contributions by singer/flutist
Elena Pinderhughes, singer
Lianne La Havas, Brazil's
Orquestra Ouro Preto, percussionists
Kainã Do Jêje and
Ronaldinho Silva, and guitarists
Lula Galvão and
Guinga, among others. We get ebullient readings of fan favorite
Nascimento songs like "Outboro" and "Cais."
Spalding also contributes "Wings for the Thought Bird" and "Get It by Now," ambitiously melodic and poetic Baroque jazz-pop songs that nicely evoke the sun-baked and far-eyed lyricism of
Nascimento's classic albums. Adding to this sense of warm appreciation are a handful of guests, including
Paul Simon who jumps on board for a heartfelt duet with
Nascimento on "Um Vento Passou," singer
Dianne Reeves on a bittersweet cover of
the Beatles' "A Day in the Life," and
Carolina Shorter (
Wayne Shorter's widow), who joins in on a lyrical and poignant nine-minute rendition of "When You Dream" off
Native Dancer. At the center of all this are
Nascimento and
Spalding, whose smiling interplay helps make
Milton + Esperanza feel like both a capstone to a monumental career and continuation of a musical legacy. ~ Matt Collar
