Esperanza Spalding

With two months experience, the then-15-year-old Esperanza Spalding landed a gig playing acoustic bass with vets in a Portland blues band. A few years later she was studying at Berklee, and playing with guys like Pat Metheny and Charlie Haden. After spending some time in Joe Lovano’s quartet and backing up singer Patti Austin, Spalding formed her own trio. And did we mention that this “ace of the bass” is also a lovely singer and songwriter? Now a worldly 22, Spalding is truly a sensation.

“Esperanza Spalding is a wonderful young bassist.” –Joe Lovano
“She is definitely headed for a great career.” –Gary Burton