I just think music is so intrinsically linked with images in the culture that we live in that you'll be hard-pressed to have an experience with the music without a preconceived notion. Esperanza Spalding cultureexperiencehard Change image and share on social
Genre boundaries are good for marketing but they all but disappear when you're a player. Esperanza Spalding boundarydisappeargenre Change image and share on social
I always say that the problem with jazz accessibility is not the content of the music, it's people's ability to access it. Esperanza Spalding abilityaccessaccessibility Change image and share on social
And I feel that it's inevitable that the work that I do will reflect the life that I live. And the life I live feels very diverse. Esperanza Spalding diversefeelfelt Change image and share on social
When I was a kid, people called me Emily rather than Esperanza, even though my full name is Esperanza Emily Spalding. Esperanza Spalding callemilyesperanza Change image and share on social
There's nothing wrong with struggle. Anytime I look back at a difficult phase of my life and see what grew out of it - the creative survival tactics - I think that the good is way better than the bad. Esperanza Spalding anytimebackbad Change image and share on social
I love people, and I love to be with people and to make music with people, but my natural state is to revert back to being by myself in my house, which is cool because that's where I practice and write and listen and study. Esperanza Spalding backcoolhouse share on social
You don't have to be fearless to do anything; you can be scared out of your mind. I fear that I won't get better and that I won't have time to practice. To be called a 'jazz musician' - it's a big responsibility. Esperanza Spalding bigcallfear share on social
I love Aretha Franklin, Edith Piaf, Blondie. Esperanza Spalding arethablondieedith Change image and share on social
Jazz has always been a melting pot of influences and I plan to incorporate them all. Esperanza Spalding incorporateinfluencejazz Change image and share on social