Esperanza Spalding is an uncompromising artist impossible to categorize. Looking over her varied, genre-straddling career, it is challenging to figure out what goes into a set list.

“That’s a perpetual challenge, as there is so much to play with,” said Spalding when pressed to define her song direction. “I try to make up a nice mix of songs that I know folks are probably coming to hear that I still have a reason to play and pieces less known that I feel will bring something positive to the show.

“Plus, I always consider what we are playing at the moment that is coming off special in a way to benefit the audience.”

Spalding, who performs Aug. 29 at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (tickets at tickets.ubc.ca ), has been doing things her own way since her 2006 debut Junjo introduc

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