CONCERT REPORT: ESPERANZA SPALDING AT THE 29TH FESTIVAL DE JAZZ DE VALÈNCIA

On 7 July 2026, the Iturbi Hall of the Palau de la Música de València welcomed one of contemporary jazz’s most inventive artists as Esperanza Spalding made her long-awaited debut at the 29th Festival de Jazz de València. Her appearance was among the highlights of this year’s festival, whose programme brought together internationally acclaimed Grammy-winning artists alongside leading Spanish jazz performers.

Rather than presenting a straightforward retrospective, Spalding structured the evening around the evolving musical language of her Formwela series while weaving in compositions that have become defining moments of her career. The result was a performance that felt both exploratory and familiar, balancing improvisation, theatrical expression, and lyrical intimacy. The concert opening immediately establishing the fluid, organic character that defines her current artistic direction. Rather than relying on conventional song structures, the music unfolded in interconnected episodes where voice, double bass, rhythm, and ensemble interaction became equal partners in the storytelling.

Audience favourites soon followed. “I Know You Know” retained its playful rhythmic complexity, while “Dancing the Animal” expanded into an energetic, groove-driven performance full of spontaneous interplay between the musicians. “To Tide Us Over” and “The Longing Deep Down” shifted the atmosphere toward introspection, revealing Spalding’s remarkable ability to move effortlessly between intricate jazz harmonies and deeply emotional vocal expression.

The second half continued with “Formwela 4,” reinforcing the conceptual thread running throughout the evening. “Cinnamon Tree” brought warmth and melodic elegance, before “Nothing Like You” offered one of the concert’s most accessible and joyful moments. The playful funk of “Thang” energized the hall, its infectious rhythm prompting visible enthusiasm from the audience.

The concert concluded with two of Spalding’s most socially resonant works. “Endangered Species” served as a powerful meditation on shared humanity, delivered with emotional conviction and musical restraint. Finally, “Black Gold” provided an uplifting finale, transforming the closing moments into a celebration of identity, resilience, and collective hope. The audience responded with sustained applause, rewarding a performance that was intellectually engaging without ever sacrificing emotional connection.

Esperanza Spalding’s debut at the Festival de Jazz de València demonstrated why she remains one of the most original voices in contemporary music. Drawing equally from jazz tradition, experimental composition, soul, and performance art, she delivered a concert that challenged expectations while remaining deeply communicative. Her appearance added another memorable chapter to the festival’s growing international reputation and affirmed the Palau de la Música as an ideal setting for adventurous live performance.

Report by Will McCarthy

Photos copyright Phillip Solomonson/ ’24/7 Valencia’

Setlist

1. Formwela 1

2. I Know You Know

3. Dancing the Animal

4. To Tide Us Over

5. The Longing Deep Down

6. Formwela 4

7. Cinnamon Tree

8. Nothing Like You

9. Thang