Esperanza Spalding – Samba Em Prelúdio

Question 1

Intro (0:00–0:15)

Answer 1

Tempo/Metre: Free rubato, ↑ emocão; implied 2/4 samba pulse – introspective opening.
Rhythm: Bass solo with rubato phrasing – personal, expressive.
Melody: Bass explores motif – sets mood.
Texture: Monophonic bass line – raw intimacy.
Harmony: Jazz chord outlines implied – sophisticated.
Instrumentation: Acoustic double bass – warm, woody timbre.
Structure: Solo introduction, invites listener into story.

Question 2

Verse 1 (0:15–1:00)

Answer 2

Rhythm: Steady samba pulse on guitar, light emphasis – maintains style.
Melody: Vocal line syllabic with slight melismas (“…á”) – emotional authenticity.
Texture: Voice + guitar accompaniment – clarity of lyrics.
Harmony: Rich jazz extensions (Cm9, D7b5 in bar 2) – harmonic color.
Tonality: Minor feel (Cm) shifting via jazz modulations.
Instrumentation: Double bass, nylon-string guitar, vocals – acoustic trio feel.
Structure: Sets lyrical theme in an intimate context.

Question 3

Guitar Solo (1:00–1:30)

Answer 3

Rhythm: Samba rhythm maintained in accompaniment.
Melody: Improvised solo with chromatic embellishments – virtuosity & colour.
Texture: Guitar lead + bass accompaniment – instrumental showcase.
Harmony: Follows harmonic sequence from verse – harmonic cohesion.
Instrumentation: Solo nylon guitar, bass – jazz-acoustic highlight.
Structure: Contrast to vocals; spontaneous expressivity.

Question 4

Verse 2 (1:30–2:15)

Answer 4

Rhythm: Slight tempo fluctuation, expressive rubato.
Melody: Bach phrases, more melismatic – heightened emotion.
Texture: Voice and guitar more interwoven – richer interplay.
Harmony: Continues jazz harmony with coloration – emotional depth.
Instrumentation: Voice, guitar, bass – ensemble intimacy.
Structure: Emotional deepening; lyrical narrative continues.

Question 5

Outro (2:15–2:30)

Answer 5

Rhythm/Tempo: Returns to rubato, slowing rubato.
Melody: Bass plays motif from intro – structural symmetry.
Texture: Return to monophonic, solo bass line.
Harmony: Drifting jazz harmony implied – reflective close.
Instrumentation: Double bass – intimate resolution.
Structure: Bookends setting; circular closure.