Esperanza Spalding Tickets

I was very disappointed in the one hour incoherent mashup of similar sounding monotone songs performed by Esperanza's alter ego Emily, who seemed like an adult female version of Max from Where the Wild Things Are. The odd "performance" was accented by a random puppet show (in which the puppets barely moved) and soul train semicircle dance break. It was like Esperanza (Emily) and her crew were trying a bit too hard to be "deep" but weren't trying at all at being entertaining. I think she may have big dreams of being "cutting edge" and creatively poignant but unfortunately her execution was poor. It seemed like something she threw together that day. I had the same feeling I get at overambitious middle school musical performances--I want them to be so much better but they never are. As I sit in the audience part of me wants to leave but I suffer through it just to see my kid perform. Obviously, I didn't have a kid in the race at Esperanza's show but I was able to make it to the finale as the show ended just a mere hour after it began. Don't get me wrong, Esperanza is clearly a talented musician, I'm just not sure she is much of a performance artist/director.

This was not what we expected. We really should have done our research before hand, but it is not the Esperanza that does straight up jazz. It was some sort of morphed version of rock concert, performance art, and autobiography?!?! I wasn't getting it, and then after an hour my friend who is a jazz expert said, "I can't take it anymore. Let's go." So we only saw an hour. Just know what to expect before spending money on this.

Esperanza has put together a phenomenal show. Hiring singers that could also play instruments and act was a brilliant idea. The skits in between the songs really drove home the message in the music and enhanced the sonic energy in a way I've never seen before. I was completely transfixed and in awe of the flawless execution I was honored to witness. It was incredibly apparent that each person on stage had just let go and was in the moment. I can't say enough that this is a set you don't want to miss.

I got to center stage a hour before the show started and there was a long line waiting to be let in to see Esperanza mostly first timers, I first seen Esperanza on youtube and wow I quickly brought a ticket to see her in Atlanta, She has a 3 piece band with 3 background singers and they sound like a much larger band She' can sing anything, I know she loves Jazz but she could make more money and be better known if she makes 1 or 2 pop records, she has the voice and looks. she came out on stage and talked about Prince, everybody wanted her to sing a Prince song but she made up a song that she thought Prince would sing. but all and all she's a great talent.

I think it was not what most people expected. Beautiful voice,exceptional guitar skills

She gave a bad show at center stage. She never talked to the crowd, no interaction at all. Didn't play ANY of her old jazz hits that got her here. And only played some detached weird music/theatrical mess that no one understood. People began walking out midway.

I have a doctorate in music from an ivy league school. Esperanza DESTROYED it, in the best way. Wow. It was glorious.

I just attended Esperanza's concert in Clearwater, and it was surreal! Not only can she play the hell out of the bass guitar, but her lyrics are deliberately thoughtful and poignant. She shows her true self throughout the show through storytelling and demonstration. It's an awesome fusion of art and music, just as the music blends jazz, rock, funk, and latin influences. This is not your average show and it is not meant to be. She is seeking truth and only a TRUE fan will appreciate this. I do recommend reading or listening to the lyrics beforehand; it will help you be able to appreciate the music much more than those who are ignorant of them. She is revealing, relevant, remarkably whimsical, and relatable. Esperanza challenges the status quo of religion, race, social status, gender, love, marriage, and education. I had to find a way to write this review; the show was just that good to me. I sat in the second row and met her after the show. She is down-to-earth and is very personable. If you're looking for something new, go to the show. If you're interested in what most in society are listening to, don't think about going, This is a show for those who wish to progress, transcend, live, and learn new things. Thank you, Esperanza, for the great time and unforgettable music experience! We love you!

Esperanza created an amazing experience which I will always remember. This show is a very unique experience.

I had such high hopes for this concert and the evolution of Esperanza's alter ego, but form the very outset, this show smacked of self indulgent musings of a college student torn between her passions and conformity. With a terrible sound setup that distorted all but a few words and kept issuing feedback during the silent "dramatic" moments, the show felt more like something that Esperanza and her college friends cooked up one night while drunk rather than the polished performances I've come to expect from her. Her musicianship is still without question - the highlight of the show was a long jam between her and the lead guitarist, but other than that, I felt like it was an evening wasted.

She was one of THE most refreshing musicians I have seen in years. Unique and unforgettable!

Excellent show!!! I loved the intimate setting!!! Her voice was spectacular!!!

I expected to hear a more jazzy side of this great talent or at least a variety. In addition, she never said one word to the audience.

This was my second time ever at the Apollo. First time watching Esperanza performing. I had listened to the album only a couple of times before the show...but nothing would've prepared me for this. She was so good she actually prompted me to write a review, something I've never done before. I was hoping she'd play more after her album set, but that's okay. It was more than I expected already. I can't wait to see her again.

I went to this show expecting the kind of performance i had seen during a Grammy performance. It felt like i went to the wrong show! It had no pizzaz, I couldn't figure out the "idea" of the show, and so it did nothing for me. I expected some cool, soft jazz!

I do not own any Spaulding records. I found what I heard online interesting. I heard so much about her I decided to try a show. She was interesting live also. Music was a mix of progressive and fusion jazz, at least in my view. There was a little performance art as she and her backing group (guitarist, drummer, three back up singers, one of the singers did a little keyboard playing) introduced songs with brief skits. The skits only worked sometimes. Ms. Spaulding danced and bopped around the stage. Her voice was stronger with more range than I expected. She was best when just jamming with her two musicians. She is known for playing double bass, but she only played electric bass. She played a little piano also. She did play well on both instruments. Most disappointing, the set only lasted about 1hr. 15 minutes. I would have liked more music.

She is an awesome artist honestly I kno she's promoting her new album which is fine her artistry is amazing but if she would have played "I know you know" it really would've made my night and pretty much sure it would have made the night for a lot of people! She definitely has presence on stage! The only thing missing was more love for the fans on the stage

A brave and unpredictable show, a breath of fresh air beyond conventional music performances. All her art and skills shine here, group members are brilliant musicians and performers.

The first time I saw Esperanza perform I fell in love with her style, her music, her voice, talent. If this performance had been my first I would not be a fan and would have zero interest in her music.

Recommend seeing this live. Her voice is amazing. But most of all cool to see some of the rock throughout the album and love the new sounds. Still original Esperanza my favorite but like the new twist