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As much as I enjoy jazz, my record since the site’s launch is a pretty good indication of how much jazz I own compared to other genres… and it’s a little embarrassing for being a self-proclaimed Obnoxious Listener. Even still, I have a pretty good ear for picking out good jazz. I just happen to prefer it live over a studio recording… it’s a completely different experience. Anyways, I’ve been meaning to really check out Robert Glasper for sometime. I realize he’s a relatively well known musician by now and that I should know more about him at this point. So, I finally purchased an album of his, Mood (2004).
I actually came across his name for the first time after I got into Kurt Rosenwinkel and was digging around for more new jazz. I remember hearing some clips and throwing him on my maybe list of upcoming purchases, and then I just didn’t get around to it. Then I came across his name again when Nirav and I saw Mos Def in concert with Amino Alkaline since Robert Glasper was on the keys for that show. Honestly, that was an amazing concert and I don’t know why it didn’t lead me to purchase some of Glasper’s music soon thereafter. My point being that great musicians can float under your noise for a long time even when you’re actively looking for new music. Well his name popped in my head again for some reason and I finally made the purchase.
For me, the most notable track is the album’s opener, Maiden Voyage, which is a cover of Herbie Hancock’s Maiden Voyage combined with Radiohead’s Everything in Its Right Place. You probably wouldn’t guess it based on my posts, but I’m actually a huge Radiohead fan. As soon as Glasper jumped in on the piano, I knew exactly what was going on. At the same time, it’s like the track was meant to be played by a jazz trio. This cover was just what the album needed to ensure my attention. I have a bad habit of not giving jazz as much of a chance as say progressive rock, for example, because I’m not quite as familiar with it. But Maiden Voyage reassured me once again that Glasper is a solid musician.
The album as a whole is very strong with a variety of jazz sub-genres. Some tracks stick to just the piano / bass / drum trio, while others incorporate horns for more of a be-bop feel. Sometimes he throws in a sax and jazz guitar for more of a jazz-fusion feel. Every now and then there is even a hint of hip-hop in the rhythm, which makes sense as he has collaborated with several hip-hop artists (e.g. Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common). As you might expect from a jazz artist, he’s also good at incorporating tempo and time signature changes. For the most part, this album is instrumental. Don’t Close Your Eyes has vocals by Bilal, surprisingly. I honestly thought that was a mistake because I didn’t realize I had heard Bilal and I didn’t believe the vocals I just heard came from a man. It turns out Bilal did the vocals in Maiden Voyage and anywhere else on the album I may have missed. Overall, Mood is a solid album and would be a good gateway album for those looking to get into jazz since Mood hits a variety of jazz styles. I’ll be sure to check out his other releases in the near future.
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