Justin Beiber fans are in a tizzy today. What's all the fuss about? Someone else beat him for the best new artist Grammy. What? Someone is more talented than the Beibs? Yes, believe it or not, being able to croon and primp hair coveted by millions isn't synonymous with significance as an artist. And who is this upstart who dared take away Justin's award? The supremely talented Esperanza Spalding, who won last night's Best New Artist Grammy. To be honest, I don't think any of the other contenders earned it more.
Spalding, a jazz/funk musician, has a fantastic voice and plays the upright bass. At only 25 she has already had quite the career. She started playing the upright at 15 after mastering other instruments, including the violin (which he taught herself!). A that same age she was concertmaster for the Chamber Music Society of Oregon. At 16 she went to college, and by 20 she was an instructor at the Berklee College of Music. Yes, while most people her age have finished college and are probably working in an entry level job, Spalding has made her mark on the music world.
My only quibble with her win? She isn't truly a new artist. This is her third album, and I think it's about time she was recognized for her talent. But, now the world will hopefully take more notice of her, and I can't wait to see where she will go from here.
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