USA History & Jazz: Expert Insights – February 2, 2026
Jazz musician Esperanza Spalding is set to return to the Czech Republic for two concerts: on Wednesday, February 11th, at Hybernia in Prague, and two days later at the Sono Center as part of the Brno JazzFest. Spalding’s work often reflects current events, and she has recently released songs supporting Indigenous people in Brazil and Black Americans displaced from their homes.
A Musician Engaged with the World
Spalding’s music frequently engages with social and political issues. She has recorded songs addressing the U.S. Involvement in the Gaza genocide. She explained that this isn’t a conscious decision, but rather a natural extension of jazz tradition, which historically arose as a response to crises in the United States.
From 2017 to 2022, Spalding lectured at Harvard University, including courses on musical activism. She is currently preparing for a performance in Minneapolis, where two citizens were recently killed by federal immigration agents, sparking protests across the U.S. Bruce Springsteen has written a song about the incident, and artists like Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, Joni Mitchell, and Justin Bieber protested the actions at the Grammy Awards.
Reflecting on American History
Spalding acknowledged that these events aren’t surprising to those familiar with U.S. History. She stated that she will likely consider the situation in Minneapolis when selecting songs for her concert there, as it is common practice for musicians to respond to current events.
Beyond her musical career, Spalding leads the Prismid Sanctuary, a community center in her hometown of Portland, Oregon, dedicated to art and gardening. She spent time in Portland during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting on her upbringing amidst drug violence and hardship.
Recent Collaborations and Projects
Spalding’s recent work includes an album created with Brazilian guitarist and singer Milton Nascimento. The album features songs in both Portuguese and English, and includes a cover of The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life.” She previously collaborated with saxophonist Wayne Shorter, creating a fifteen-minute song cycle and an opera before his death in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Esperanza Spalding perform in the Czech Republic?
Esperanza Spalding will perform on Wednesday, February 11th, at Hybernia in Prague, and on February 13th at the Sono Center in Brno.
What kind of music does Esperanza Spalding play?
Esperanza Spalding’s music draws from jazz, funk, R&B, classical music, and Brazilian pop. She is known for her skill as a bassist, vocalist, composer, and arranger.
Has Esperanza Spalding performed in the Czech Republic before?
Esperanza Spalding first performed in the Czech Republic in 2009 as a member of saxophonist Joe Lovano’s quintet, playing at festivals in Přerov and in Prague’s Lucerna Music Bar.
Given Spalding’s history of responding to current events through her music, what role do you think art plays in addressing social and political issues?