This song, "Black Gold," was the first single from the Esperanza Spalding album, Radio Music Society. Released March 20, 2012.
The Afro-centric implication of the title is no coincidence. The song was released Feb. 1, 2012 — the first day of Black History Month. The video was premiered on BET. And to these ears, the music itself connects jazz aesthetics to sounds of black popular music today.
In case that message wasn't clear, Spalding wrote some commentary on the track for members of the press:
This song is singing to our African American heritage before slavery. Over the decades, so much of the strength in the African American community has seeded from resistance and endurance. I wanted to address the part of our heritage spanning back to pre-colonial Africa and the elements of Black pride that draw from our connection to our ancestors in their own land. I particularly wanted to create something that spoke to young boys.
Esperanza Spalding (born October 18, 1984) is an American jazz bassist, cellist and singer, who draws upon many genres in her own compositions. She has won four Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Award for Best New Artist at the 53rd Grammy Awards, making her the first jazz artist to win the award.
Sources:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2012/02/02/146287135/new-esperanza-spalding-song-in-time-for-black-history-month
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esperanza_Spalding
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