Esperanza Spalding's fourth album,
Radio Music Society (a companion piece to
Chamber Music Society in name only) is one of enormous ambition -- polished production, sophisticated, busy charts, and classy songwriting -- that consciously juxtaposes neo-soul and adult-oriented jazz-tinged pop. It employs a stellar cast, largely of jazz musicians, to pull it off. She produced the set, with help from
Q-Tip on a couple of numbers, and wrote all but two songs here: a cover of "I Can't Help It" (a
Michael Jackson cover written by
Stevie Wonder) and
Wayne Shorter's "Endangered Species." There are truckloads of players, including three different all-star drummers in
Terri Lyne Carrington,
Jack DeJohnette, and
Billy Hart, saxophonist
Joe Lovano, and guitarists
Jef Lee Johnson and
Lionel Loueke on "Black Gold" (which also contains his vocals and an appearance by
the Savannah Children's Choir). Though Ms.
Spalding takes most lead vocals, there are also duet appearances from
Lalah Hathaway and
Algebra Blessett. Backing vocalists include
Gretchen Parlato (who also anchors a chorus on several tunes) and
Leni Stern. The
American Music Program horn section appears on three cuts. The highlights here include "Crowned & Kissed" (a
Q-Tip co-production) with its rubbery bassline, contrapuntal horns,
Leo Genovese's artful pianism, and
Carrington's impeccable sense of swing that bridges funk, neo-soul, jazz, and hip-hop. "Radio Song" contains layered interpolated rhythms (again courtesy of
Carrington), sparkling Rhodes piano, syncopated horns and backing chorus,
Spalding's alto croon, and a taut, popping bassline.
Lovano's saxophone adds a truly elegant and graceful dimension to "I Can't Help It." The charts on
Shorter's tune (with lyrics by
Spalding) illuminate what may have been the composer's intent all along -- and nod at
Pastorius-era
Weather Report simultaneously.
DeJohnette's funky subtlety drives the knotty fingerpop of "Let Her," and
Hart's trademark, shimmering cymbal work on "Hold on Me" complements
Spalding's sultry vocal in retro bluesy pop -- it's one of only a couple of places on the record where she plays acoustic bass. While
Radio Music Society may play better to younger pop audiences than more die-hard jazzheads, this program is so diverse and well executed -- despite a little overreaching -- it's anybody's guess. ~ Thom Jurek
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