The release of pianist Robert Glasper’s major label debut ‘Canvas’ in 2005 signaled the arrival of a singular new voice in jazz. Robert Glasper’s piano trio, consisting of Vicente Archer on bass and Damion Reid on drums, have received wide critical acclaim from both the jazz and mainstream press. The recipient of multiple awards, from Downbeat to Time Magazine, Glasper has the unique ability to combine improvisational and technical skill with accessible melodies, tumultuous beats and bright lyricism placing him in lineage with jazz icons Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. On the strength of all this public acclaim, Glasper opted to follow up ‘Canvas’ with an unadorned trio document. The starkly beautiful ‘In My Element’ is the result.

‘In My Element’ includes seven new Glasper original compositions, as well as a tribute to the late, great hip-hop producer J Dilla and a mash up of Herbie Hancock’s “Maiden Voyage” with Radiohead's, “Everything In Its Right Place.” At the close of nearly every piece, Glasper follows a typically hip-hop tradition by placing interludes to set up the stage for the next tune. These segues create a sense of mystery and flow beyond the individual song, just another example of Glasper’s rare ability to mesh the jazz and hip-hop world together. As deeply involved in the hip-hop world as Glasper is- he’s worked with Mos Def, Common, Talib Kweli, the Roots, Slum Village and more- he is clearly a diligent student of the jazz piano tradition. Glasper is determined to bring his generation into checking out jazz in a whole new light. Hip-hop, gospel and jazz fans, take note.

Upcoming Dates:
7/24 - 29 @ Village Vanguard, NYC