Esperanza Spalding 12 Little Spells [Concord] Created on a writing retreat in Italy, and recorded and initially released over 12 days on social media in 2018, Esmeralda Spalding’s sixth solo album is yet another highly original work for the seemingly boundless, ever-growing artist. The dozen songs are inspired by different parts of the body “as an exploration of the healing powers of art,” and as soundscapes they range from avant-garde and art rock to contempo R&B and cascades of lush jazz harmony. The core sound from her previous record, Emily’s D+Evolution, is in place, via the kinetic drumming of Justin Tyson and the dirty/clean electric guitar of Matthew Stevens. Presumably with the intent of having a band for the social media roll-out, Esperanza shares bass duties with Brooklyn-by-way-of-Houston doubler Burniss Travis, and she also credits Stevens and New Orleans saxophonist/multi-instrumentalist Morgan Guerin with electric bass contributions (although they aren’t identified specifically). Many of the bass highpoints sound like Spalding, perhaps on her custom fretless Simon Propert South Paw 5-string, such as the octave-infused ostinato on the gorgeous title track, the percolating pulse on “You Have to Dance,” the slippery, savvy accompaniment on “Dancing the Animal,” and the stretching on the Wayne Shorter-esque outro of “Ways Together.” Elsewhere, her effortless, soaring vocals and penchant for potent counterpoint between melody and bass lines make this unmistakably Esperanza, no matter the new terrain. —Chris Jisi Tycho Weather [Ninja Tune] Multi-instrumentalist and purveyor of ambient, downtempo vibes Scott Hansen has just released his fifth studio album, Weather, under his better-known moniker Tycho. His laid-back, lo-fi-meets-hi-fi sound has reached new heights on his latest effort, and his bass work is more pronounced than it was on his previous records. Taking a more organic approach this time around, Hansen stays true to his electric bass roots and lays down tight lines on “Japan,” “Easy,” and the rest of the eight-track LP. A perfect album for a late-night stroll or after-party hang, Hansen understands the important role of bass in trip-hop music, and he respectfully represents it on this mellow journey. —Jon D’Auria Chick Corea: The Spanish Heart Band Antidote [Concord Jazz] Chick Corea revisits the Latin and flamenco sound of his classic sides My Spanish Heart and Touchstone with a powerful, impeccably selected eight-piece unit, anchored and accelerated by Carlitos Del Puerto and drummer (and Roy Haynes grandson) Marcus Gilmore. The title track provides a Salsa-fied launch, with the crisp horns of trumpeter Michael Rodriguez, trombonist Steve Davis, and saxophonist/flutist Jorge Pardo, the great Ruben Blades’ impassioned vocals, and Del Puerto’s bold, Baby Bass tumbao. Elsewhere, Carlitos provides conversational support on his Fodera 5 for th