Milton Nascimento & esperanza spalding - Milton + esperanza

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. AllMusicGuide