In all honesty, I bought her shirt. Rosetta and I went to see Esperanza Spalding three weeks go and got to enjoy her and the band perform Emily’s D+Evolution in its entirety. I had the opportunity to see her perform the same album with the San Diego Orchestra in September of last year [the video below] (before it was released).
Left with baited breath, I listened to the rest of her catalog on repeat until the release of Emily’s D+Evolution in March of this year. Gladly there was a single, One (my second favorite song on the album) and it holds a lot of significance for me and further affirmed my desire to pick up the album on vinyl. Less than one week before I met my love; One was released on Tidal. I was swiping on Tinder and was enticed by an afro and beautiful smile.
Rosetta and I reminisce over our first day from time to time, but I never told her about the song. Specifically, when I heard the song my thoughts gravitated to her. I frequently talk about how impactful music is in our lives, but little did I know how this album would be so tied to my life.
In Rosetta’s office is a tiny canvas on her bookshelf. My best attempt at drawing; written on it, “I love you, unconditionally.” Unconditional Love (Alternative Version) my favorite song on Emily’s D+Evolution isn’t on the LP. Listening to this song for the first time caused my eyes to water. The juxtaposition of the band and her voice move me every time I hear it.
If you have a turntable and haven’t picked up Emily’s D+Evolution, you are wrong. Pick up your copy here. Seeing Esperanza is a treat in and of itself. Sharing the experience with the One that I love Unconditionally; priceless.
