Esperanza Spalding Presents: Emily's D+Evolution

Originally, Spalding taught herself to play violin. She then switched to guitar, clarinet and obo. Finally, while in high school, she settled on bass, which she studied formally while at Portland State University and Berklee College of Music. She released her debut, Junjo, in 2006, and the album quickly established her as a rising star. A favorite of President Obama, who asked her to play at his Nobel Peace Prize concert in 2009, she surprised everyone when she won a Grammy for Best New Artist in 2011. The award-winning album, 2010's Chamber Music Society, featured gorgeous ballads and gentle jazz tunes. For the current tour, Spalding is performing "live musical vignettes" that delve into theater and poetry. (Niesel)