The piano trio features pianist Aruán Ortiz, Francisco Mela on drums and then 22-year-old Spalding on upright bass, and providing vocals –often wordless– on all but two tracks. Besides compositions by Jimmy Rowles, Egberto Gismonti and Chick Corea the trio plays originals.[5] The album draws on jazz as well as on a number of Brazilian and other Latin music styles.[6]
Michael G. Nastos from AllMusic calls Junjo "an exercise in joy and freedom", noting "the certainty of her concept and clarity of her vision ... an auspicious beginning."[4] Jim Santella of All About Jazz commented, "Esperanza Spalding's debut drives jazz's modern mainstream with a hip-sounding classic piano trio. Her emotional, wordless vocals and conversational bass playing offer a delightful celebration of music as folk art. Spalding's bass playing gets noticed while she interprets traditional jazz favorites as well as fresh new originals."[7] Jamie Katz of Vibe wrote, "...it's Spalding singular creations that make Junjo truly beguiling, signaling a new and important voice in jazz."[9]
[7]
[4]