Esperanza Spalding’s new project, Emily’s D+Evolution, set for release March 4 on Concord Records, is a fresh artistic vision for the four-time Grammy winner, a daring tapestry of music, vibrant imagery, performance art and stage design. Co-produced by Esperanza and Tony Visconti, the album is an electrifying take on the power trio adorned with backing singers and touches of synthesizer, “as if to fly the pirate flag of the Black Rock Coalition” according to The New York Times.

Esperanza assembled a new band for Emily’s D+Evolution, including guitarist Matthew Stevens and drummer Karriem Riggins. She recorded some of the album’s 11 tracks in front of a small audience in a Los Angeles studio. The result is otherworldly cosmic soul, kinetic songs that burst with energy and life. Album opener “Good Lava” offers a grand salvo: sinewy riffs doubled on electric bass and distorted guitar with melodies that stick and float across registers. NPR Music has the video premiere for “Good Lava” and an interview with Esperanza about the new album here.

Emily’s D+Evolution was first revealed last year via a series of high profile shows, including a performance in front of a capacity crowd at the Prospect Park Bandshell for Celebrate Brooklyn! Esperanza debuted the new album track “One” in October with a special performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live from BAM in Brooklyn.

Spalding, who has performed everywhere from the Oscars to the White House, will tour extensively in support of Emily’s D+Evolution, including a headlining hometown show at NYC’s historic Apollo Theater on April 14.

TRACK LIST:

1. Good Lava

2. Unconditional Love

3. Judas

4. Earth To Heaven

5. One

6. Rest In Pleasure

7. Ebony and Ivy

8. Noble Nobles

9. Farewell Dolly

10. Elevate or Operate

11. Funk The Fear

12. I Want It Now

TOUR DATES:

4/9 – Northampton, MA – Calvin Theatre

4/10 – Greenvale, NY – Tilles Center for the Performing Arts

4/12 – Boston, MA – Shubert Theater

4/14 – New York, NY – Apollo Theater

4/16 – Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Theatre

4/17 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall

4/19 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club

4/20 – Durham, NC – Carolina Theatre

4/22 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage

4/23 – Clearwater, FL – Capitol Theatre

4/24 – Miami, FL – Knight Center