Spalding continued to branch out, playing with jazz groups as well as leading her own septet and trio. In 2002 she joined the hip-hop group Black Science Tribe, which gained a sizable following touring along the West Coast.
Since moving East to attend the Berklee College of Music, Ms. Spalding has regularly worked as a freelance bassist and singer, both locally and internationally. Ms. Spalding has worked with many notable Grammy-winning artists such as pianist Michel Camilo, vibraphonist Dave Samuels, saxophonist Joe Lovano, violinist Regina Carter, guitarist Pat Metheny, and singer Patti Austin.
She has also performed as a member of the Boston Pops, with drummers Bill Stewart (John Scofield, Chris Potter, Joe Lovano), Terri-Lyne Carrington (Herbie Hancock), Mark Walker (Paquito D'Rivera), as well as guitarist Adam Rogers (Michael Brecker, Chris Potter), saxophonist Seamus Blake (Mingus Big Band, Bloomdaddies), and trumpeter Byron Stripling and performed as an opening act for comedian and sometimes-jazz drummer/vocalist Bill Cosby.
Recently, Ms. Spalding released her debut album as a leader, Junjo on the Barcelona based jazz label Ayva Music. Her CD features pianist Aruan Ortiz, and drummer Francisco Mela.
She is the 2005 recipient of the prestigious Boston Jazz Society scholarship for outstanding musicianship. Spalding holds a B.M. from Berklee College of Music, where she also enjoys the status as the youngest faculty member ever in the history of the College. Esperanza recently became a new artist represented by the Montuno management agency.
In 2009 she played at the Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo(Norway), as the Nobel Peace Prize winner,
Barack Obama, artist of choice.
In 2011 she was awarded the Grammy for best new artist, the only Jazz musician to be awarded the Grammy.
City of Roses
Esperanza Spalding Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Streets lined with red brick, and green branches
Weren't rainy days that might seem bleak
Our rain is the paint that makes the land lush and the folks unique
City parks, wild berries, and old bridges
A rolling river bringing goods from the sea
A mountain hooded in snow silently watching over me
And everywhere I go these words are with me, and I find
From the city of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
Down along the river, weekend market
On sunny Saturdays the water front comes alive
The street vendors and hippies they keep (?)
All the people you could wish for or imagine
Are from the (?) in the city center (?), musicians, husbands
To make sure that there's a thriving jazz scene
And everywhere I go these words are with me, and I find,
I take along a little piece of heaven, with these memories of mine
Everywhere I go these words are with me, yeah and I find
Wherever I may travel I take with me, these memories of mine
From the city of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
Everywhere I go these words are with me, and I find,
I take along a little piece of heaven, with these memories of mine
Everywhere I go these words are with me, yeah and I find,
Wherever I may travel I take with me, paddling in my mind
The city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
The lyrics of Esperanza Spalding's "City of Roses" describe her memories of Portland, Oregon - a city known for its rainy climate, parks filled with wild berries and old bridges, and thriving jazz scene. Spalding sings about the city's vibrant culture and unique features, such as the weekend market along the river and the mountain "hooded in snow" silently watching over the city. Throughout the song, she repeats the phrase "everywhere I go these words are with me, and I find, I take along a little piece of heaven, with these memories of mine," emphasizing the lasting impact that Portland has had on her life.
Line by Line Meaning
In the city of, roses
This song is about the city of Portland, Oregon, which is known as the City of Roses due to its ideal climate for growing large quantities of roses.
Streets lined with red brick, and green branches
The city's streets are lined with red brick buildings and trees, which contribute to the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Weren't rainy days that might seem bleak
Despite its reputation for rain, the city's frequent precipitation contributes to its lush, green landscape rather than making it dreary.
Our rain is the paint that makes the land lush and the folks unique
The city's rainy climate contributes to its unique character and the lush, green vegetation that grows abundantly there.
City parks, wild berries, and old bridges
Portland is home to many beautiful parks, wild berries that grow wild in the streets, and historic bridges that add to the city's charm.
A rolling river bringing goods from the sea
The Willamette River flows through Portland and connects to the Columbia River, allowing goods to be transported to the city from the Pacific Ocean.
A mountain hooded in snow silently watching over me
Mount Hood is a majestic mountain in the Cascades that can be seen from many parts of Portland and adds to the city's scenic beauty.
And everywhere I go these words are with me, and I find
The song's narrator carries memories of Portland with her wherever she goes, and they continue to inspire and comfort her.
I take along a little piece of heaven, with these memories of mine
The artist finds solace in her memories of Portland, which she describes as a little piece of heaven.
From the city of roses, city of roses
The title of the song, 'City of Roses,' is repeated throughout the chorus.
Down along the river, weekend market
The city hosts a popular weekend market along the Willamette River that draws many vendors and visitors.
On sunny Saturdays the water front comes alive
The waterfront bustles with activity on sunny Saturdays, drawing many people to enjoy the city's natural beauty and vibrant culture.
The street vendors and hippies they keep (?)
The market attracts a diverse crowd, including street vendors and hippies who add to the city's eclectic vibe.
All the people you could wish for or imagine
Portland's diverse population includes people from all walks of life and from around the world.
Are from the (?) in the city center (?), musicians, husbands
The city center is home to many artists, musicians, and creative people who contribute to Portland's thriving arts scene.
To make sure that there's a thriving jazz scene
Portland has a vibrant jazz scene, and the city takes pride in supporting its local musicians.
Everywhere I go these words are with me, yeah and I find
Like in the previous verse, the artist carries memories of Portland with her everywhere she goes.
Wherever I may travel I take with me, these memories of mine
The singer cherishes her memories of Portland and carries them with her wherever she goes.
Everywhere I go these words are with me, and I find
The song's narrator continues to carry memories of Portland with her, which continue to inspire and comfort her.
Wherever I may travel I take with me, paddling in my mind
The artist likens her memories of Portland to a paddle, which she holds in her mind and uses to propel her forward as she travels.
The city of roses
The song's title is repeated at the end of the song for emphasis.
City of roses, city of roses
The song's title is repeated throughout the chorus.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Esperanza Spalding
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@IngredPrychartd
In the city of, roses
Streets lined with red brick, and green branches
Weren't rainy days that might seem bleak
Our rain is the paint that makes the land lush and the folks unique
City parks, wild berries, and old bridges
A rolling river bringing goods from the sea
A mountain hooded in snow silently watching over me
And everywhere I go these words are with me, and I find
I take along a little piece of heaven, with these memories of mine
From the city of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
Down along the river, weekend market
On sunny Saturdays the water front comes alive
The street vendors and hippies they keep (?)
All the people you could wish for or imagine
Are from the (?) in the city center (?), musicians, husbands
To make sure that there's a thriving jazz scene
And everywhere I go these words are with me, and I find,
I take along a little piece of heaven, with these memories of mine
Everywhere I go these words are with me, yeah and I find
Wherever I may travel I take with me, these memories of mine
From the city of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
Everywhere I go these words are with me, and I find,
I take along a little piece of heaven, with these memories of mine
Everywhere I go these words are with me, yeah and I find,
Wherever I may travel I take with me, paddling in my mind
The city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
City of roses, city of roses
♡
@gr8tbigtreehugger
Soulful! Playful! Great arrangement and performances!
@nikkihines3652
Portland’s Finest ❤
@TR-kq2dq
First time I heard this song. Fell in love with it...
@natemickens88
3:50 So beautifully composed , arranged and created...Inspired indefinitely😇
@Davey97
This song is pure 🔥🔥🔥
@SIEMRECORDS
Peace and love queen
@mattgraham2835
very soulful almost reminds me of Jill Scott and the song she did whats golden she sounded to me like maybe a retro 50's very pure jazz sound sounds like something that has alot of life and spirit in it I dig it
@nadiaboulanger9323
Portland 4-Ever!