Junjo
2006
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Recording Info
Recorded April 6-7, 2005 at PBS Studios, Westwood, MA. Peter Kontrimas was responsible for recording, mixing, and mastering.
Track Highlights
- The Peacocks (Jimmy Rowles) — Features Spalding's bass leading with Ortiz's piano, wordless vocals, and a modal jam
- Loro (Egberto Gismonti) — Features Spalding's vocalese
- Humpty Dumpty (Chick Corea) — A darker rendition of the original
- Mompouana (Aruán Ortiz) — Features Spalding's voice in a 9/8 time signature with piano motifs
- Cantora de Yala (Leguizamón-Castilla) — Spalding sings in Spanish, accompanied by her bass playing
- Two Bad (Esperanza Spalding) — The only instrumental track on the album
Personnel
- Esperanza Spalding (Vocals, Double Bass, Producer, Liner Notes)
- Aruán Ortiz (Grand Piano)
- Francisco Mela (Drums)
- Pablo Valero (Executive Producer)
- Peter Kontrimas (Recording, Mixing, Mastering)
- Ellen Sitkin (Design, Booklet Photography)
- Youri Lenquette (Cover Photography)
Significance
Junjo marked Esperanza Spalding's debut and was praised for its joyful and free-spirited nature. Michael G. Nastos of AllMusic noted the certainty of Spalding's concept and the clarity of her vision, calling it an auspicious beginning. Jim Santella of All About Jazz highlighted Spalding's emotional vocals and conversational bass playing, celebrating the music as folk art. Jamie Katz of Vibe noted that Spalding's creations made Junjo truly beguiling, signaling a new and important voice in jazz. The album helped launch Spalding's career, leading to her signing with Heads Up and the release of her self-titled album, Esperanza, in 2008. Junjo showcased her talent and versatility, blending jazz with Latin flavors and demonstrating her skills as a bassist, vocalist, composer, and arranger. It also highlighted the talents of Aruán Ortiz and Francisco Mela, establishing them as notable musicians.
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