Esperanza Spalding had long aspired to collaborate with Milton Nascimento, the legendary Brazilian singer-songwriter. Her introduction to Nascimento's music came during her time at Berklee College of Music in Boston in the early 2000s. She fondly remembers a particular evening spent with friends from Brazil in her shared apartment, where they enjoyed a dinner of homemade sushi rolls. Someone played Native Dancer, the 1975 album Nascimento created with saxophonist Wayne Shorter. The album’s opening notes, featuring Nascimento’s ethereal falsetto and gentle piano, left a profound impact on Spalding. Reflecting on that moment, she admits she felt a mix of awe and frustration: "How had I not known about this before?"

Milton + esperanza marks the realization of Spalding’s admiration. The album blends classics from Nascimento’s extensive catalog, new compositions by Spalding, and covers of songs by artists like the Beatles and Michael Jackson. It showcases the creative synergy between the two artists. Spalding reveals that much of her music is influenced by Nascimento's voice and spirit. Yet, she never imagined a full collaborative album, which seemed beyond her wildest dreams.

The connection between Spalding and Nascimento was first sparked by Herbie Hancock, who introduced Nascimento to Spalding’s music. This led to Nascimento joining Spalding on "Apple Blossom” from her 2010 album Chamber Music Society. Their mutual respect and affinity grew during this recording session, highlighted by Nascimento’s background as a jazz bassist in his youth. The duo’s bond strengthened further when they performed together at the Rock in Rio festival the following year. Whenever Spalding visited Brazil, she made it a point to visit Nascimento’s home in Rio de Janeiro for informal jams and conversations. The idea for a collaborative album emerged spontaneously in 2022, suggested by Nascimento’s son during a post-performance gathering. With Nascimento’s voice in excellent shape from touring, the timing was perfect to begin the project.

Spalding dove into the project, guided by advice from Shorter, her collaborator on the opera Iphigenia. His words, “You got to keep some of what you don't want, so that nothing's wasted,” resonated with her as she navigated the time-sensitive nature of the recording.

The album opens with a conversation between Nascimento and Spalding, setting a dream-like tone. “Cais,” from Nascimento’s 1972 masterpiece Clube Da Esquina, follows, dispelling any doubts about the 81-year-old’s vocal prowess. Throughout the album’s 16 tracks, the interplay between their voices evokes deep emotion, reflecting on time, art, and human creativity.

Nascimento’s influences, including the Beatles and nature, shine through in their bold reinterpretations of “A Day in the Life” and Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song.” The album’s guest appearances by Paul Simon, Brazilian guitarist Guinga, American jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves, British vocalist Lianne La Havas, and others add to its richness.

Spalding's vivid memories of Nascimento’s home, where most vocals were recorded, underscore the album’s authenticity. She adapted to Nascimento’s routine, understanding his life as an octogenarian. The recording process even accommodated his love for watching novelas, with equipment set up in his TV room.

Spalding's deep connection with elders, nurtured since childhood, informs her approach to music and collaboration. Her mother’s work in adult foster care homes exposed her to the wisdom and rhythm of older generations. Milton + esperanza celebrates this intergenerational bond, capturing Nascimento’s voice and spirit without smoothing out its natural imperfections. The album is a heartfelt tribute to the wisdom and artistry of elders, inviting listeners to cherish their stories and contributions.