The soundtracks to a summer - Robert Glasper

As the summer months have played out so have the soundtracks that have helped to define it. Some months ago fellow TCC member, David, posted a track as part of his on - going 'New York music' series. The latest New York music instalment came courtesy of a man of whom I was unaware of. The artist, simply put was called Robert Glasper.

Perhaps you are like I was and have never heard of this name before. If so, allow me to tell you about a jazz pianist who helped to smoothly ensure my summer was never too far away from mellow, and reflective, further reminding a huge music lover - that discovering great new music is one of those most fantastic experiences one can truly have. 

Robert Glasper hails from Houston, Texas and is primarily a jazz pianist, singer-song writer, composer, arranger alongside being a record producer. Jazz is the main specialism of Robert's. His music has been likened to experiments with space, rhythm and chord textures which serves to create a vast cluster of sound. Glasper has spoken of how he likes to produce music - attempting to make it flow like a hip hop beat. Which to his mind allows rappers to rap over his jazz arrangements. 

A prestigious 2012 Grammy Award was a sizable feather in the cap for a man on the rise, (best RnB) for his Black Radio album. The critical acclaim for this work showcased and celebrated that Glasper was by no means a one genre pony. 

On listening to Black Radio it is more than apparent that this is an extremely finely put together production. The marriage of RnB and jazz intertwine seamlessly to form a perfect fusion that is magnetic as it is compelling. 

Enlisting the help from an impressive array of artists from the worlds of Neo Soul and RnB alongside a sprinkling of rap provides the album with the perfect amalgamation of genres that Glasper enjoys. This carefully selected blend play out to Glasper's masterly orchestrated arrangements and delicate piano dexterity. Artists such as: Erykah Badu, Musiq Soul Child, Lupe Fiasco and Bilal, who assigns his vocal prowess to the superb song, 'Letter to Hermione.' All of these artists easily reaffirm their statuses as talented experts within their fields. Quite literally there is not a weak track on the entire album. 

The more I listened to Black Radio it grew increasingly obvious to me that this album was a labour of love, it more than shows. 

That labour of love was adored by my ears and devoured by my mind. Throughout the summer I would ride trains and board planes, music was my constant companion. Robert Glaper's music was that companion. It quickly become one that was hard to resist. Over these next few months I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't become a soundtrack that continues into autumn and perhaps winter. Perhaps it will, who knows, having said that - all I know is that Black Radio is one album that lovers of music must have in their collection. 

Demola, TCC