esperanza spalding with ESKA & Melissa Hié
When esperanza spalding brings together her trio with British vocalist ESKA and French percussionist Melissa Hié, a musical encounter emerges marked by intimacy, spontaneity, and strong artistic chemistry.
The three artists first collaborated during a residency in Lille in 2024, followed by a spontaneous recording session in Paris—an encounter so powerful it still resonates, even though the material has yet to be released. At Moldejazz 2026, the trio reunites for the first time since, in a long-awaited and exclusive concert.
At the center are three distinct voices: esperanza on vocals and bass, ESKA—the London-based, Mercury Prize-nominated vocalist and multi-instrumentalist—and Melissa Hié on percussion. ESKA is known for her genre-defying expression and distinctive voice, shaped through collaborations with artists such as Grace Jones and Bobby McFerrin, and is widely regarded as one of the most striking vocalists of her generation.
Melissa Hié brings a deep grounding in West African rhythmic traditions, with a background in a musical family and training on instruments such as djembe, balafon, and conga. Her playing is characterized by a warm, melodic sensitivity, while she moves freely between genres and expressions—from traditional rhythms to jazz and electronic music.
Together, they create an open and dynamic musical landscape where improvisation, rhythm, and voice merge in real time. This is a rare opportunity to experience three uncompromising artists in close dialogue—and a truly unique concert experience that will happen only once, right here at Moldejazz 2026.
esperanza spalding – vocals & bass, ESKA – vocals, Melissa Hié – percussion
The concert has a standing audience
Concerts in our main program typically last between 60 to 90 minutes.
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