In this episode of Both Sides, Randall Abrahams sits down with Esperanza Spalding, GRAMMY Award-winning jazz bassist, vocalist, and composer, for a deep and inspiring conversation ahead of her performance at Joy of Jazz 2025 in Johannesburg.
Esperanza shares heartfelt stories from her musical upbringing, including her earliest influences, the impact of her mother’s love of music, and the pivotal moment she discovered the double bass. She opens up about her journey through Portland State University, Berklee College of Music, and working with jazz legends like Joe Lovano and Ron Carter.
They explore: Her thoughts on jazz education and learning outside the institution 📚🎼
The moment she won her first GRAMMY and how it changed her career 🌍🏆
Her deep admiration for Brazilian artists like Milton Nascimento and her nuanced view on “Brazilian music” Collaborations with Terri Lyne Carrington, Ravi Coltrane, and the legacy of the late Geri Allen
This is a must-watch for music lovers, aspiring musicians, jazz students, and fans of Esperanza’s genre-defying body of work.