“This might just be the biggest
collaborative project of the year”
— WXPN
Milton + esperanza, the highly anticipated album from Brazilian icon Milton Nascimento and acclaimed musician/composer esperanza spalding, has received a GRAMMY® nomination in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category. Recorded in Brazil throughout 2023, the album reimagines five of Nascimento’s classics, introduces new originals by spalding, and features unique covers of The Beatles’ “A Day In The Life” and Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song.” With guest appearances by Paul Simon, Dianne Reeves, Lianne La Havas, and more, Milton + esperanza is a stunning blend of Brazilian roots, global influences, and extraordinary musical chemistry.
Highlights include soaring duets like “Outubro” and “Cais,” showcasing the dynamic interplay between Nascimento’s timeless voice and Spalding’s innovative sound. Spalding’s originals, including “Wings for the Thought Bird” and “Get It By Now,” expand her ever-evolving repertoire, while intimate interludes capture candid moments between the two artists. The album’s closing track, Wayne Shorter’s “When You Dream,” offers a moving tribute to the late jazz legend.
Milton Nascimento, a revered Brazilian icon, has influenced generations with his evocative songwriting and unforgettable voice. esperanza spalding, a five-time GRAMMY® winner known for her genre-defying work, continues to push musical boundaries as a composer, performer, and advocate. Together, their creative partnership on Milton + esperanza is a powerful celebration of artistry, legacy, and the enduring magic of musical collaboration.
For more infomation on the Milton + esperanza, click here.
A NOTE FROM ESPERANZA...
"This project has been such a profound and years-in-the-making project! Its about sitting at the feet of one of our profoundest elder mentors, and amplifying the fact that our elders are still innovating! Still filled with new creative insights, juices, sounds, and questions...and often just need the younger generation to support them in bringing it out. As he is someone who deeply reveres and has deeply studied the Jazz Vocal tradition (hence his admiration for and collaborations with Sarah Vaughn, his adoration for Nina, Ella...) this nomination in the category of "Best Jazz Vocal Album" means the world to him. With this GRAMMY®, it feels like the music world is acknowledging that the voices of our elders deserve to be uplifted as relevant and integral to innovating the music!"
REVIEWS
“An astonishing portrait of a singular friendship" The Fader
"An episodic, strikingly impressionistic album" — Rolling Stone
“These two voices just sound heavenly together” — NPR, Ann Powers
“A dream-like realm of folkloric myth, plugged into nature’s heartbeat” — Uncut
“The affection between Nascimento and Spalding is palpable” — New York Time
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