I usually know what to expect at Her Campus’ weekly Wednesday meetings. Typically, I expand my knowledge on possible article ideas and upcoming events. However, at our past event, a Writer’s Workshop presentation, I was thrown for a loop. At the end of the event, I learned that I had been rewarded for my dedication to Her Campus with a free ticket to the October 14, 2011 Esperanza Spalding and the Chamber Music Society concert at the Merriam Theater.
Six quick stops on the subway and a one block walk later, I arrived at my destination. The energy and excitement present at the venue made me even more ecstatic and appreciative about the opportunity to attend the concert than I already felt prior to arriving.
When Esperanza Spalding first came out onto the low-lit stage, she sat in an arm chair and did something atypical of most opening numbers: she poured herself a glass of wine. With her glass in hand, she cued her band to start playing. She then picked up her full sized bass and started to strum beautiful notes out of it.
One thing that stood out about the entire set was that there was no computer on the stage. The sounds coming from only Spalding, her band, and their instruments were pure, organic, and refreshing.
For one of the songs, Spalding and her back up singer, Leala Cyr, started off a cappella; creating a sensation reminiscent to beat boxing and singing simultaneously. The talent that it takes to create beautiful music like that takes years to gain, and was truly a privilege to listen to. At that moment, it hit me that this unprecedented talent was the reason Spalding beat Justin Bieber, Florence & The Machine, Drake, and Mumford & Sons in the Best New Artist Grammy category this past year.
Spalding’s music is unique because it mixes old school jazz with the complexity of “new school” sounds. Since her music incorporates many elements, it takes a few times to really appreciate its greatness to the fullest, but once you do, you’ll know for yourself that her tunes are relaxing and enjoyable to listen to.