Acclaimed bassist, vocalist and composer Esperanza Spalding and pianist and composer Fred Hersch are set to release Esperanza Spalding & Fred Hersch: Live at the Village Vanguard – Rough Mix EP. The five-song EP was captured during the duo’s 2018 concerts at the highly reputable Village Vanguard nightclub in New York City. The EP is a live rough mix with no edits.
The EP will be offered exclusively for download through Bandcamp, with all proceeds benefiting the Jazz Foundation of America’s efforts to assist members of the jazz community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Released on May 29, the performance will be available only through the month of June for a minimum of $17, with additional donations encouraged on a pay-what-you-wish basis.
“All of my musician friends are in the same boat,” Hersch laments. “People who rely on gigs to make ends meet have seen entire tours cancelled. What opportunities may come – and when – remains a huge question mark.”
“I think there’s a lot of joy and beauty in this music that Fred and I made,” added Spalding. “Beyond collecting money for musicians in need, sharing the beauty in our hearts can have a healing effect as well.”