Esperanza Spalding
and
Milton Nascimento
mark their 15-year friendship on their sublime 2024 collaboration
Milton + Esperanza
.
Spalding
, an acclaimed singer and bassist, was first introduced to
Nascimento
by
Herbie Hancock
when she was visiting Brazil in the 2000s. She had long appreciated the Brazilian legend's work, steeped as it is in folk, jazz, and the homegrown MPB that he helped to define in the '60s and '70s. Out of their initial meeting came
's guest appearance on
's Grammy-winning album
Chamber Music Society
in 2010. Musically,
has long evinced the influence of artists like
Stevie Wonder
Wayne Shorter
. Both of those artists also serve as comparable touchstones for
, who famously collaborated with
Shorter
on their classic 1974 album
Native Dancer
. Similarly here,
are kindred musical spirits, dueting on almost every track; her bright vocal smile a perfect foil for
's hushed baritone; one that's only gained subtle textures over the decades. 81 years old at the time of recording,
had already embarked on a farewell tour when he decided to join
in the studio, and their work together often feels like a celebration of his life. Produced by
, the album features potent instrumental backing from her group with guitarist
Matthew Stevens
, pianist
Leo Genovese
, singer and keyboardist
Corey King
, and drummers
Justin Tyson
Eric Doob
. There are also vibrant contributions by singer/flutist
Elena Pinderhughes
, singer
Lianne La Havas
, Brazil's
Orquestra Ouro Preto
, percussionists
Kainã Do Jêje
Ronaldinho Silva
, and guitarists
Lula Galvão
Guinga
, among others. We get ebullient readings of fan favorite
songs like "Outboro" and "Cais."
also contributes "Wings for the Thought Bird" and "Get It by Now," ambitiously melodic and poetic Baroque jazz-pop songs that nicely evoke the sun-baked and far-eyed lyricism of
's classic albums. Adding to this sense of warm appreciation are a handful of guests, including
Paul Simon
who jumps on board for a heartfelt duet with
on "Um Vento Passou," singer
Dianne Reeves
on a bittersweet cover of
the Beatles
' "A Day in the Life," and
Carolina Shorter
(
's widow), who joins in on a lyrical and poignant nine-minute rendition of "When You Dream" off
. At the center of all this are
, whose smiling interplay helps make
feel like both a capstone to a monumental career and continuation of a musical legacy. ~ Matt Collar