Search - Robert Glasper :: Canvas

Robert Glasper is the real deal!

Anthony | New York | 11/10/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I recently caught Robert at the Village Vanguard where he gave a sensational performance. From the onset of this CD you can hear his fingers dance gracefully across the keys with purpose and vision of a veteran musician and suddenly you begin to realize there's no doubt this young man is absolutely the real deal. Ironically, after hearing Robert Glasper I began to reminisce about my first introduction to pianists Herbie Hancock (70's) and later years Billy Childs (Take for Example This ) came to mind while listening to Robert Glasper's "Canvas."





The opening track "Rise and Shine," is reflective of the musical journey you encounter with pianist, composer Robert Glasper on the first spin. Artistically, Glasper has the art of "Trio" craved in stone with hints of genius sprayed onto the canvas leaving sufficient space for improvising.



Glasper speaks from his spiritual perspective on "Portrait of An Angel," his piano phrasing are remarkably fresh. His pursuit of excellence continues to glow with the next selection "Enoch's Meditation" its simplistic yet mesmerizing. On tracks 7, 8 and 9 Glasper plays the Fender Rhodes and the Kalimba of all instruments. On track seven Glasper articulates with passion to incorporate the hipness of Neo Soul - Hip-Hop singer Bilal into the framework. Bilal's vocal textures blend effortlessly while his unique expressive harmonic colors breaths an aurora of freshness into "Chant." Glasper's fingers walk the walk as he assuredly takes flight once again soaring with delightful melodies marrying these unexpected voices together.



"Riot" originally scored by Herbie Hancock is the next tune featuring Mark Turner on tenor horn and Glasper on Fender Rhodes and piano. Robert is quite comfortable improvising therefore, aligning himself with the veteran Turner fusing their voices within the passages of bopping harmonies and unyielding melodies. Glasper has obviously spent his fair share of time in the woodshed. Let's keep in mind here, Glasper's compositions are masterfully written and skillfully executed yet accessible to listen too. No question, this young man can seriously play! Mr. Glasper closes out the set of ten selections with "I Remember" which is dedicated in the loving memory of his mother.



At this point you see Robert Glasper's music is primarily mainstream (or modern) jazz, and chances are "Canvas" may or may not appeal to you. However, Robert Glasper will definitely lure you out of the cube by challenging and hopefully inspire you to take chances thru the art of discovering and embracing fresh voices. From this music lover's perspective, "Canvas" is the kind of music I love, it's warm, fresh, creative and reflective of what modern jazz is about! Glasper is part of a growing segment of talented young artists that's stimulated by the language of jazz, henceforth speaking out with varied tongues filled with rich, creative, and passionate voices for this music we truly love called jazz. Thanks to Blue Note Records for their leadership, vision, passion, hopes and desires to continually bridging the gap musically and artistically for artist of this magnitude.



Please do yourself a favor and add this exciting new recording titled "Canvas" by pianists Robert Glasper to your music collection today!





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Beautiful and Melodic

Kenneth James Michael MacLean | Ann Arbor, MI USA | 12/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This collection by Robert Glasper is swinging, intelligent, and melodic. I have been listening to it continuously for 2 weeks, and the music still sounds fresh.

"Portrait of an Angel," "Enoch's Meditation," "Chant," and "North Portland" are especially beautiful, particularly the haunting "Enoch's Meditation."

"Canvas," the title cut, is my least favorite. There are a lot of saxophone gyrations which detract IMHO, from the melody.

If you like melodic, introspective and beautiful piano trio music this CD is a can't miss."

Great second album Mr Glasper

Jazz man | 10/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Managed to catch a review for this album recently on michaelvalentinestudio site and thought it would be a good chance buy. I was right. Took a little getting used too, but knew it would grow on me. Great pianist and composer with a bouncy feel to his stride. Almost Herbie Hancockish in places I thought. Great sublime vocals by Bilal and wonderful inclusion of his mother's voice on the last track."