In the far, far future, when our progeny’s progeny’s progeny are lounging on camp chairs at music festivals, or sipping aged whisky from 2021 with friends in living rooms on Mars, talking about the most profoundly impactful artists of all time, pianist, record producer, arranger and songwriter, Robert Glasper’s name will be recited among the greats. It already is.
Just 24 when he grooved into the scene with “Mood,” a mix of original compositions and jazz standards, Glasper has since established himself as an artist of extraordinary vision. His 2013 Grammy-winning record, “Black Radio” was nothing short of an affirmation that his adept collaborations, genre-defying compositions and astute assemblage of the jazz, soul and hip hop musicians was going to reshape modern jazz.
Glasper’s mother, Kim Yvette Glasper, a blues and jazz singer opened his eyes – and his ideas – to music. While attending the New School in New York City, he toured as a sideman with Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove and Terence Blanchard. His development as a jazz musician paralleled with his work in the soul and hip hop world, a result of his friendship and work with New School classmate, Bilal.
His body of work includes “Black Radio 2,” “Covered: Recorded Live,” which features work by Radiohead and Joni Mitchell and others, and “Miles Ahead,” the film soundtrack, and a host of other stellar releases. His latest single, “Better Than I Imagined,” with H.E.R. and Meshell Ndegeocello is a mesmerizing track with Glasper’s brilliant piano work sculpting a cupped hand for his phenomenal vocalists.
Let’s consider ourselves beyond fortunate to absorb this incredible artist in our inspiring mountain setting. Take it all in and send the word into the future.
