A Glimpse at Robert Glasper, Jazz Pianist

Every once in a while a friend will turn me on to a new artist, and instead of just giving it a quick listen, I find myself listening to track after track, nearly hypnotized.

And hypnotic really is the word for Robert Glasper's music. He's a jazz pianist, but beyond the basic realm of standards and bebop (in which he is undoubtedly well-versed), he manages to break out and modernize jazz in an accessible, quasi R&B style. He obviously has chops - he knows how to play - but in the recordings I listened to, it was apparent that Glasper made the effort to harness back. He seemed to be lulling the listener into a state of relaxed awareness, vamping on a mellow, extended form, and then suddenly moving into a section of intricate technique. The contrast makes for a truly engaging listening experience: since the listener knows Glasper's ability, their ear is naturally drawn in with expectancy during the mellower moments. 

Check out his version of Stella By Starlight, recorded live at Capitol Studios:

Besides his trio work, Glasper is involved in an array of genres. He has released a couple of R&B/Hip-hop albums, which don't showcase his technique, but still highlight his musical ingenuity. You also may have heard him on Kendrick Lamar's newest Grammy-winning album, on which he consulted and recorded background jazz piano. 

Artists like Robert Glasper show that the energy to reignite jazz in the 21st century exists. They are proof that musicians want to push the boundaries and take what came before them in a new direction.