Junjo
Studio album by
Esperanza Spalding
Released2006, April 18
Recorded2005, April 6–7
StudioPBS Studios (Westwood, MA)
GenreJazz
Length49:02
LabelAyva Musica
ProducerEsperanza Spalding
Esperanza Spalding chronology
Junjo
(2006) 		Esperanza
(2008)

Junjo is the debut studio album by American bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding.[1][2][3] It was released on 18 April 2006 by Spanish label, Ayva Music.[4]

Background

The piano trio features pianist Aruán Ortiz, Francisco Mela on drums and then 22-year-old Spalding on upright bass, and providing vocals –often wordless– on all but two tracks. Besides compositions by Jimmy Rowles, Egberto Gismonti and Chick Corea the trio plays originals.[5] The album draws on jazz as well as on a number of Brazilian and other Latin music styles.[6]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
All About Jazz[7]
Allmusic[4]
Tom HullB+[8]

Michael G. Nastos from AllMusic calls Junjo "an exercise in joy and freedom", noting "the certainty of her concept and clarity of her vision ... an auspicious beginning."[4] Jim Santella of All About Jazz commented, "Esperanza Spalding's debut drives jazz's modern mainstream with a hip-sounding classic piano trio. Her emotional, wordless vocals and conversational bass playing offer a delightful celebration of music as folk art. Spalding's bass playing gets noticed while she interprets traditional jazz favorites as well as fresh new originals."[7] Jamie Katz of Vibe wrote, "...it's Spalding singular creations that make Junjo truly beguiling, signaling a new and important voice in jazz."[9]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."The Peacocks"Jimmy Rowles7:56
2."Loro"Egberto Gismonti5:06
3."Humpty Dumpty"Chick Corea5:51
4."Mompouana"Aruán Ortiz7:51
5."Perazuán"Spalding, Ortiz3:38
6."Junjo"Spalding5:13
7."Cantora de Yala"Gustavo Leguizamón, Manuel J. Castilla4:55
8."Two Bad"Spalding6:59
9."Perazela"Francisco Mela, Spalding1:32
Total length:49:02

Personnel

References

  1. ^ Prince, Tracy J.; Schaffer, Zadie (5 June 2017). Notable Women of Portland. Arcadia Publishing. p. 114. ISBN 978-1-4396-6120-8. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  2. ^ Gioia, Ted (2021). The Jazz Standards: A Guide to the Repertoire. Oxford University Press. p. 371. ISBN 978-0-19-008717-3. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
  3. ^ Esperanza Spalding - Junjo on Ayva Music website.
  4. ^ a b c Junjo - Review on Allmusic.com
  5. ^ Beuttler, Bill (1 October 2019). Make It New: Reshaping Jazz in the 21st Century. Lever Press. p. 245. ISBN 978-1-64315-005-5. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
  6. ^ Rice, Timothy; Wilson, Dave (21 January 2019). Gateways to Understanding Music. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-351-70883-8. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  7. ^ a b Santella, Jim (2 August 2006). "Esperanza Spalding: Junjo". All About Jazz. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  8. ^ "Tom Hull: Grade List: Esperanza Spalding". Tom Hull. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  9. ^ Jamie, Katz (December 2006). "Music: Revolutions". Vibe. Vibe Media Group: 176. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
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