Working on the cutting edge of melding jazz with urban sounds, pianist/keyboardist Robert Glasper has come a long way since being a sideman for the likes of Nnenna Freelon. He now leads a hip-hop meets jazz meets R&B band once again with Derrick Hodge/b, Casey Benjamin/synth-elec and Mark Colenburg/dr and a list of guest vocalists that range from Lalah Hathaway to Norah Jones. This time around, the music is mostly consisting of originals, yet Stevie Wonder’s “Jesus Children” sounds revamped and revived as the closer. “What We Are Doing” with Brandy has a retro R&B hipness to it, while “Yet to Find” with Anthony Hamilton has a classic churchified mood.
What you’ve got here is a continuation of what jazz has always done-try to mix the tradition with some type of culture, be it Spanish, Brazilian, Cuban or in South Central. Credits at least for trying, and while it may not be my cup of tea, it’s got a flavor that you can’t ignore and have to appreciate.
They’re coming to LA at the El Rey Theatre Nov 14. Should be interesting! Info at www.theelrey.com
Blue Note Records