Esperanza Spalding

Exposing fresh new talent to the world is an Austin City Limits mantra, so we’re thrilled to bring the eclectic music of Esperanza Spalding to a wider audience. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, the multi-ethnic Spalding found inspiration in a performance by Yo-Yo Ma on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. She began playing violin with the Chamber Music Society of Oregon at five, moving to the double bass at 14 at a performing arts high school. Following a stint writing lyrics and singing for the indie rock band Noise to Pretend, she found her way to a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music, during which time she toured with singer Patti Austin, studied under and toured with saxophonist Joe Lovano and received encouragement from guitarist Pat Metheny and vibist/Berklee administrator Gary Burton. Almost immediately after her 2005 graduation, she was hired by her alma mater as one of the youngest professors in the school’s history. But her academic career has not gotten in the way of making music. She’s recorded with Stanley Clarke and M. Ward, and laid her accomplished mix of jazz, soul, Brazilian music and any other sound she fancies down on two acclaimed albums, 2006’s Junjo and 2008’s Esperanza. Our producers saw a stunning set at the New Orleans Jazzfest and knew that ACL had to have her.