Robert Andra Glasper is an American pianist, record producer, songwriter and a musical arranger. Glasper is featured in many genres such as Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B, Neo Soul and Fusion Jazz. He has 11 Grammy Award nominations and 5 Grammy Awards under his belt. His breakout album was ‘Black Radio’ which was released in 2012. It hit at number 15 on the Billboard 200 chart and later won Best R&B Album at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. He released the sequel to ‘Black Radio’ in October 2013 entitling it ‘Black Radio 2’. In 2015, Kendrick Lamar made an album entitled ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ which featured Glasper’s electric keyboard talent on the soundtrack which was played in the film Miles Ahead. Glasper has written for Mac Miller, Anderson. Paak, Banks, Herbie Hancock, Big K.R.I.T., Brittany Howard, and many more.
His latest album, ‘Code Derivation’, is within the Jazz genre, and has smooth melodic tones throughout. There are 15 tracks on the album with a variety of tempos from fast and groovy to slow and smooth. The is a testament to Glasper’s innovative approach to Jazz. The album as a whole not only highlights his technical prowess but also his ability to push the boundaries of the genre making it a must-listen for any Jazz fans.
There were two favorites on the album which I kept on repeat which were “Say Less” and “Say Less” featuring Jamari (Flipped by Riley Glasper). “Say Less” kicks off with a smooth piano intro that sets a mellow yet fascinating tone. As the track progresses, you’ll hear layers of intricate beats and rhythms, showcasing Glasper’s signature style. The interplay between the piano and the electronic elements creates a rich, textured soundscape. It’s a perfect opening that draws you into the rest of the album.
My second favorite is the second track on the album “Say Less” featuring Jamari (Flipped by Riley Glasper). In this one Glasper’s son (Riley) remakes the beat to where Jamari can Rap on it but before that happens Riley shouts out his father in the intro relating back to the first track. Jamari has a velvety voice that is perfectly aligned with the rhythm of the song. His delivery was concise and on point which, in my humble opinion, made this song an instant classic.
Track 4, “Wake Up”, was another song that I liked which blended Modern Jazz and certain musical elements. The song gave complex piano work, overlaid with electronic beats and soulful melodies. The track explored themes of exploration and social commentary which caught my attention.
My honorable mention track goes to Track 13 which is “RM 112″ (flipped by Karriem Riggins). This track introduced a more upbeat and experimental sound which brought in a hurried mood and tempo. The rhythm of the song was complex, but it flowed like the Mississippi River on a hot Summer day.
‘Code Derivation’ is an arresting album that will catch your ear’s attention when you listen to the soft piano tones, different instrumentals, and creativity put into it. I highly recommend it to traditional and non-traditional Jazz listeners.
