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Esperanza Spalding To Bring ‘Emily’s D+Evolution’ To College Street

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Esperanza Spalding is bold, thoughtful and talented.

The bassist, bandleader, composer and singer has played with such jazz giants as Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and Joe Lovano. But Spalding also makes daring and forward-thinking experimental-minded soul-pop. She’s as steeped in Caetano Veloso, Stevie Wonder and Joni Mitchell as she is in Miles Davis.

Earlier this year Spalding released an adventurous concept album, “Emily’s D+Evolution,” that is thoroughly unclassifiable. At times heavy and lurching, plainly proggy, but with sunbursts of

complex vocal harmonies, ornate chromatic riffs, and jazz-folk touches, Spalding’s new music fits alongside other accomplished all-style eclectic-futurists like Tuneyards and Janelle Monae. Her work rewards time spent in concentrated listening. And Spalding’s interviews are equally rewarding and worth seeking out; she offers candid insights on jazz purists, beauty, politics and popular culture.

Spalding deserves our attention.

Esperanza Spalding Presents: Emily’s D+Evolution performs at College Street Music Hall, 238 College St., New Haven, Sunday, April 17, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $32 to $35. Information: 203-867-2000, collegestreetmusichall.com.