Recorded in Brazil over the course of 2023, Milton + esperanza is a dream-come-true collaboration and musical representation of a friendship that was first kindled nearly 15 years ago. The album features 16 tracks that celebrate and reimagine five of Nascimento’s beloved classics, newly written originals by Spalding, and fascinating interpretations of The Beatles’ “A Day In The Life” and Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song” among other works that lovingly explore the music of Brazil and far beyond. Special guest appearances include Paul Simon, Dianne Reeves, Lianne La Havas, Maria Gadú, Tim Bernardes, Carolina Shorter, Shabaka Hutchings and more. Milton + esperanza sparkles with duets between these two iconic voices, exquisite musicianship and what Spalding identifies as a central theme of the album: the importance of younger generations creating with, learning from, and building new worlds with elders.
Tracklist
LP1
Side A
The Music Was There
Cais
Late September
Outubro
A Day In The Life
Side B
Interlude for Saci
Saci (featuring Guinga)
Wings for the Thought Bird (featuring Elena Pinderhughes and Orquestra Ouro Preto)
The Way You Are
Earth Song (featuring Dianne Reeves)
LP2
Side A
Morro Velho (featuring Orquestra Ouro Preto)
Saudade Dos Aviões Da Panair (Conversando No Bar) (featuring Lianne La Havas, Maria Gadú, Tim Bernardes, Lula Galvão)
Um Vento Passou (para Paul Simon) (featuring Paul Simon)