Genius pianist and producer Robert Glasper joins Questlove Supreme. They discuss his redefining of jazz with soul and hip hop, collaborating with Quest and Phonte, the music renaissance in Houston, breaking jazz rules, Brandy's studio vocals, gear preferences, and creating 'Jesus Children of America' for 'Black Radio' album.
Robert Glasper broke traditional jazz conventions by appealing to a younger audience.
Collaborations with unexpected artists like Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Robert Glasper resulted in a monumental album.
There is a distinction between Ron Carter's foundational contributions and Christian McBride's awe-inspiring soloing abilities in jazz bass playing.
Connections with influential musicians like George Duke and Herbie Hancock had a profound impact on Robert Glasper's musical career.
Robert Glasper is interested in exploring collaborations with Brazilian and Cuban musicians as well as working on future projects with The Roots.
Deep dives
Robert Glasper and the Philadelphia Jazz Renaissance
Robert Glasper, a renowned jazz musician, reflects on his experiences in high school and the vibrant jazz community in Philadelphia during the late 1990s. He describes how his high school, which hired teachers without degrees, fostered creativity and the importance of listening. Glasper also discusses his collaborations with artists like Bilal and his desire to break traditional jazz conventions by appealing to a younger audience. Despite initial skepticism from the jazz community, Glasper's innovative approach has gained recognition and popularity.
Influence of Baloo and Roy Hargrove
Robert Glasper credits his encounter with Bilal, a fellow student at the New School in New York City, for inspiring his musical evolution. Together, they began working on demos and exploring unconventional jazz sounds. Glasper attributes his rejection of traditional jazz norms to the influence of Roy Hargrove, whom he met during high school. Hargrove's band consisted of young, talented musicians who brought a fresh perspective to the genre. Glasper's exposure to Hargrove's unique approach further spurred his passion for pushing boundaries and challenging jazz conventions.
Making Jazz Accessible to a Younger Audience
Robert Glasper's goal was to make jazz more appealing and accessible to a younger audience. He felt that jazz no longer resonated with young people, and he wanted to change that perception. Through his music and collaborations, Glasper aimed to showcase the versatility of jazz and break down stereotypes associated with the genre. He believed in engaging young listeners by incorporating contemporary elements and creating music that spoke to their experiences and interests.
Overcoming Skepticism and Gaining Recognition
Despite initial skepticism from the jazz community, Robert Glasper's innovative approach and ability to bridge the gap between genres led to his eventual recognition and success. He stayed true to his vision of combining jazz with other genres, such as hip-hop and R&B, and attracted a diverse and devoted fanbase. Glasper's ability to break through traditional jazz conventions and appeal to a younger audience elevated his status as an influential musician in the industry.
The Tragedy of Sandy Hook Inspires a Powerful Song
One of the main ideas discussed in this podcast episode is the inspiration behind the song 'Jesus Children of America' from the album Black Radio. The tragedy of the Sandy Hook shooting deeply affected the artist and producer, and he wanted to pay homage to the children who lost their lives. Layla Hathaway, a featured artist on the album, delivered an emotional and powerful performance on the track, capturing the pain and sorrow felt after the tragedy. The song was meant to be accompanied by a poem by Jimmy Green, whose daughter was killed in the shooting, but ultimately Malcolm-Jamal Warner, actor and poet, took on the role and delivered a heartfelt piece. The creation of this song highlights the ability of music to express and heal in the face of immense tragedy.
Unforeseen Collaborations Make Black Radio a Monumental Album
Another main point of the podcast episode is the unexpected and legendary collaborations that took place on the Black Radio album. The artist recounts how certain artists, such as Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Robert Glasper himself, were not initially intended to be part of the album, but due to fortuitous circumstances, they became integral contributors. The artist highlights the importance of embracing the unpredictability of the creative process, acknowledging that the universe often has its own plans. These unforeseen collaborations and the unique talents each artist brought to the album resulted in a truly monumental and innovative piece of work.
The Musical Prowess of Christian McBride and Ron Carter
The podcast episode delves into the unique skills and talents of jazz bassists Christian McBride and Ron Carter. Despite both being highly regarded musicians in the jazz world, there is a distinct difference in their soloing abilities. The artist reflects on the notion that Ron Carter, while highly esteemed for his foundational and rhythmic contributions to music, is not known for his soloing capabilities. On the other hand, Christian McBride is hailed as a soloist without parallel, his virtuosic abilities and ability to leave other musicians in awe. This discussion sheds light on the diverse talents and styles that exist within the realm of jazz bass playing.
Robert Glasper's Reflections on his Musical Journey and Inspirations
Robert Glasper discusses his experiences opening for George Duke on tour, his connection with jazz legends George Duke and Herbie Hancock, and the impact they had on his musical career. He highlights the significance of connecting with these influential musicians and shares personal anecdotes of his interactions with them. Glasper also reflects on the importance of taking breaks and shares Herbie Hancock's experience of not playing the piano for months, emphasizing the value of rest and rejuvenation for artists. Additionally, he discusses his approach to gear and his preference for acoustic piano over modern keyboards, sharing his appreciation for live performances and collaborations with other musicians.
Robert Glasper's Future Projects and Musical Ambitions
Glasper expresses his desire to explore various musical projects in the future. He mentions his interest in collaborating with Brazilian and Cuban musicians, citing his recent experiences in Cuba as a rich source of inspiration. Glasper envisions merging his own musical style with the sounds and traditions of these cultures. He also expresses a desire to work on an official project with The Roots and recalls his past collaborations with the band. Lastly, Glasper suggests the idea of recreating the Roots Picnic and performing at a later hour to create a larger audience and ambiance. He expresses his enthusiasm for potential collaborations with the Roots in the future.
Today’s episode of Questlove Supreme is long overdue. Robert Glasper, multiple award winner, genius pianist and producer maintains his prominent position of changing how we think jazz should sound as well as how it should play in the sandbox with soul and hip hop music. Since Quest and Phonte have already joined forces with Glasper in the name of good music it’s time to get the real story behind the man that redefined the term Black Radio.
