Esperanza Spalding

Since Esperanza Spalding issued her breakthrough second album, the bassist-singer has enjoyed a spotlight rare for even the most seasoned jazz artists. She performed on Letterman; was the subject of a New Yorker profile; and won a spot in The Oprah Magazine’s “Women on the Rise.” Her lithesome figure graced Banana Republic ads and the pages of Vogue, and President Obama asked her to perform at his Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. After the smash successes of Chamber Music Society and Radio Music Society, she returns with Emily's D+Evolution Tour, embodying a character in braids and spectacles, pushing her soul-bop into theatrical realms. Hanging out with Janelle Monaé is rubbing off, and that's awesome.