CBS owns the rights. Crazy. How many times does one Honoree play for another? And how perfect is Esperanza? If she didn't exist, someone would create her and you wouldn't believe she actually existed.
I've listened to this about 20 times tonight... I just can't get enough. It's like listening to a Monet. It's so rich and lush and clear and beautiful. If I could time travel, I'd take myself back and somehow get into the Kennedy Center to hear this live.
To go from being a fan of Herbie to having Herbie do a tribute to YOU...and then have Esperanza on bass and vocals...Sting was filled with joy and wonder.
What’s especially striking about this is that it is a true tribute more than it’s a cover. The lovely idea of all of these performances is to demonstrate Sting’s broad influence, of course, but this one reflects his own musicality back at him in beautiful ways; she inserts his favored vocal intervals and I imagine (If I had better memory of his specific bass style) that she echoed some of his favorite stylings there, too, integrating them with her take. He felt heard in a deeper way with this, I think. She’s simply a genius. Love them both and just adore this (plus, Herbie Hancock!!).
HerbIe validated Sting as an interpreter & composer of modern jazz fusion. Esperanza & Herbie's interpretation was 'melodically beautiful & haunting..... Finger snaps!!!!
The back up singers should of had their names said as well! This woman makes me cry like a baby. Thank you Esperanza Spalding and not least Herbie Hancock. Thank you sir! One of my favorite Solo Sting songs from the 80's
She said it all right there in that short sequence of this beautiful heart-wrenching song 🥲 nothing comes from violence nothing never could right now there's a lot of stars with tears
I can't believe I've never seen this before. Esperanza's and Herbie's performances are absolutely stunning and you can tell Sting had an emotional response because he looked like he was on the verge of tears (as I was!).
Sting hyperventilating and close to tears, the Obamas mesmerized, and Herbie Hancock in a state of grace, everybody stares to that stage, because of the unbelievable talent and grace of this young woman.
I can’t stop listening to this. It’s so beautiful. Between her singing, bass and Herbie Hancock’s piano…brilliantly done. A haunting and lovely rendition.
Such a lovely feeling to see the song’s author being so genuinely happy listening to this performance, as if Esperanza completely expressed his deepest thoughts and feelings in the song
Brings tears to my eyes every time I watch and listen to this extraordinary performance. Esperanza's amazing vocals and bass playing and Herbie's amazing accompaniment are a match made in Sting heaven.
Esperanza Spalding se apropió de la canción, la hizo tan suya, tanto que al escucharla Sting el sintió como si la hubiera escuchado por primera vez, incluso se le ve en los ojos su amor y es el único que se levantó a aplaudir a esta mujer por qué sabe que ahí hubo magia.
@1:31 the FLOTUS and POTUS are just in awe at the clarity of the voice, the soulfulness of which touched Sting too 1:49. Its one song that I play on continuous an can go the whole day~
You have to sing and play double bass. Together with Herbie Hancock. In front of Obama. In front of Sting, playing HIS song. This could kill anyone, but she nails it perfectly and with an incredible chill.
If blood will flow when flesh and steel are one Drying in the colour of the evening Sun Tomorrow's rain will wash the stains away Something in our hearts will always stay Perhaps this final act was meant To clinch a lifetime's argument Nothing comes from violence And nothing ever could For all those born beneath an angry star Let's we forget how fragile we are On and on the rain will fall Like tears from a star Like tears from a star On and on the rain will say How fragile we are How fragile we are If blood will flow when flesh and steel are one Drying in the colour of the evening Sun Tomorrow's rain will wash the stains away Something in our hearts will always stay
