Robert Glasper

Robert Andre Glasper, born on April 6, 1978, is an American pianist, record producer, songwriter, and musical arranger whose work traverses various genres, with a strong core in jazz infused with R&B, hip-hop, and neo-soul elements. Renowned for his genre-blending capabilities, Glasper has established a prolific career, gaining recognition and accolades in both the jazz world and mainstream music industry.

Career Highlights

Robert Glasper's prominence in the music industry is highlighted by his collection of accolades, including five Grammy Awards from 11 nominations and an Emmy Award. His album "Black Radio" (2012) marked a significant breakthrough, reaching number 15 on the Billboard 200 chart and earning the Best R&B Album award at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. He followed this success with "Black Radio 2" in 2013. In 2015, Glasper contributed his keyboard talents to Kendrick Lamar's critically acclaimed album "To Pimp a Butterfly." His composition "A Letter to the Free," featured in Ava DuVernay's documentary "13th," won him the 2017 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.

Musical Style and Influence

Glasper is celebrated for his innovative blend of jazz with hip-hop and R&B, a style heavily influenced by jazz legends like Miles Davis. His music not only honors traditional jazz but also adapts to modern sounds, affirming jazz's relevance in today's diverse musical landscape.

Notable Projects

• The Robert Glasper Trio: This acoustic jazz trio highlights Glasper's piano virtuosity alongside Vicente Archer on bass and Damion Reid on drums.
• The Robert Glasper Experiment: Known for defying genre norms, this electronic act features Glasper with collaborators Mark Colenburg (drums), Casey Benjamin (saxophone/vocoder), and Derrick Hodge (bass).
• Black Radio Series: A series of groundbreaking albums blending jazz, R&B, and hip-hop, featuring collaborations with a wide array of artists.
• Film Work: Glasper has composed scores for "The Apollo" documentary and the romantic drama "The Photograph."

Collaborations

Glasper's collaborative spirit is evident in his work with numerous artists across genres, including:

• Mac Miller
• Anderson .Paak
• Banks
• Herbie Hancock
• Brittany Howard
• Kendrick Lamar
• Common
• Erykah Badu

These collaborations have helped bridge the gap between jazz and contemporary music, showcasing Glasper's adaptability and broad appeal.

Discography Highlights

• Studio Albums:

  • "Mood" (2004)
  • "Canvas" (2005)
  • "In My Element" (2007)
  • "Double-Booked" (2009)
  • "Black Radio" (2012)
  • "Covered" (2015)
  • "Black Radio III" (2022)

• EPs:

  • "Black Radio Recovered: The Remix EP" (2012)
  • "Porter Chops Glasper" (2014)

• Soundtracks:

  • "Miles Ahead: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" (2015)
  • "The Photograph: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" (2020)

Legacy and Impact

Robert Glasper's work is pivotal in the evolution of jazz into the realms of contemporary popular music. His defining "Black Radio" series has fundamentally influenced what popular music can encompass, bridging gaps between genres. Glasper's ability to transcend musical barriers cements his role as a vital figure in modern jazz and R&B, propelling Black music into evolving future landscapes.

Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Glasper
• https://music.apple.com/md/artist/robert-glasper/4643652
• https://www.kqed.org/arts/13931600/robert-glasper-blue-note-jazz-festival
• https://editionml.com/robert-glasper-black-radio-interview
• https://concord.com/publishing-roster/robert-glasper/
• https://www.jazzdisco.org/robert-glasper/discography/
• https://hardknockradio.org/a-conversation-w-robert-glasper-about-jazz-funk-neo-soul-and-hip-hop/
• https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/robert-glasper/
• https://docfestjazz.org/robert-glaspers-biography/
• https://www.robertglasper.com