Best New Artist Grammy -- Esperanza Spalding

I wanted to say something about a new artist that has me spinning a little bit with her talent.

So a girl named Esperanza Spalding defeated Justin Bieber for the Best New Artist Grammy Award this year. Naturally that turned more than a few heads, including mine, particularly when I noticed that Spalding was a jazz artist, the first of which to win Best New Artist. I was reminded of 2003 when Norah Jones beat Avril Lavigne and was comforted by, how as a friend said later, the Grammy panel hasn't completely lost it.

So how did an African-American jazz bassist beat Bieber, the modern-day equivalent of Elvis Presley? I don't have anything against Justin Bieber, he seems to be a fairly talented young kid. But plainly put, Esperanza Spalding is that good. After you have a listen (or two), you realize what a no-brainer this award really was.

I Know You Know
Precious
Espera
Winter Sun