Robert Glasper – In December. On Tour in Europe in November
Robert Glasper‘s “In December” originally came out last year exclusively on Apple Music. It is one of the must-have Christmas albums, not only because of Robert’s excellent playing and production work, but also because of the very special vocalists he enlisted to guest on his holiday album. A mini-medley of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman” and “Carol Of The Bells” is sung by Tony Award-winning singer Cynthia Erivo. It is a decidedly soulful take, veering towards lithe hip hop sounds and strong neo/alt-soul. His original “Make It Home” has PJ Morton and Sevyn Streeter on vocals. Not really your typical holiday-themed schmooze, but its lyrics feel just right for the upcoming season. It pretty much stays in the neo-soul format and is another winner. Tarriona “Tank” Ball from Tank & The Bangas tells the story of “Memories With Mama”, a sweet and compassionate tune, making way for some changes in direction. But the overall flow stays subdued and very cohesive.
I have always adored the voice of Alex Isley, daughter of Ernie Isley. She gracefully covers “Joy To The World”, which boasts with another highly original arrangement, almost making it a totally new tune with just little hints to the original. It gets pretty mystical and ethereal in the last 90 seconds. Beautiful. Another great singer, the unique and thrilling Andra Day, fronts another original by Robert. On “December”, the softened soul/jazz fusion mystery continues, adding to the overall well-rounded mood of the album. The scintillating Baylor Project (Jean and Marcus; where’s the vinyl version of their great 2021 album “Generations” by the way?) help out on “The Little Drummer Boy”, yet another traditional which gets a complete facelift. Staying true to the overall modest, almost cozy atmosphere of the album. Jean’s vocals are sublime. Gospel singer Doobie Powell rounds out this very entertaining album with an r&b/hip hop meets Jazz version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”.
Make sure to catch Robert this month while he is on tour in Europe:
11/11 Berlin – Theater des Westens
11/12 Hamburg – Laeiszhalle
11/14 Utrecht – TivoliVredenburg
11/15 Brussels – Flagey
11/17 Paris – Bataclan
11/18 London – Koko Camden
11/21 London – Koko Camden
