Sadly, some know Esperanza Spalding simply as that girl who took Justin Bieber’s Grammy for best new artist in 2011. But Bieber couldn’t even out-hair the Portland-born jazz bassist, a charismatic bandleader who’s nine inches shorter than her instrument but larger than life when she performs. Ever since her self-titled debut in 2008, the 27-year-old phenom has emerged as "the hottest pop-jazz crossover artist since Norah Jones," to quote our sister publication Portland Monthly. She’s brainy, setting William Blake to music, and appeals across borders, switching easily from English to Spanish to Portuguese.

And she has a new album out March 20, Radio Music Society, which comes with 12 concept videos shot in New York City, Barcelona, and Portland. She’ll show off her latest work at the Paramount Theatre on April 24. Tickets ($30-$42) are on sale now at stgpresents.org.

Esperanza Spalding
April 24, 8pm, Paramount Theatre