Tristessa

Esperanza is an album by various artists interpreting in song Tristessa, a novella by Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac.

The story explores Kerouac’s love affair with Tristessa, a drug-addicted Mexican prostitute. Tristessa means “sadness” in Spanish.

Her real name was Esperanza, “hope” in Spanish.

A fascinating album concept, listen here to two selections.

“First Page of Kerouac’s Tristessa” William Fitzsimmons with Tim & Adam

“We Are Nothing” Alela Diane