The Robert Glasper Experiment: Black Radio

The Robert Glasper Experiment                                                                                     Black Radio                                                                                                                              Blue Note/EMI, 2012

Exceptionally gifted jazz pianist Robert Glasper takes big chances on his latest release, “Black Radio.” The release is a who’s who of modern black singers and rappers and it rethinks what radio could be if it didn’t focus strictly on commercial viability.

Filled with special guests, this collection includes Erykah Badu, Bilal, Lupe Fiasco, Lalah Hathaway, Shafiq Husayn (Sa-Ra), KING, Ledisi, Chrisette Michele, Musiq Soulchild, Meshell Ndegeocello, Stokley Williams (Mint Condition), and Yasiin Bey.

Erykah Badu sits in with the band and covers the Mongo Santamaria classic “Afro Blue,” making it modern, stylish and fresh.

Meshell Ndegeocello’s contribution, “The Consequence of Jealousy” is sexy with a deep groove, and one of the stand-out tracks.

Glasper draws from jazz, hip-hop, R&B and rock to make this music; and in doing so we offered a glimpse of his artistic vision. That there are tracks that fall short, are only further proof of his willingness to step out and not play it safe, with tried and true formulaic songwriting.

A reinterpretation of Nirvana‘s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” closes out the disc. This version falls somewhere in between Tori Amos lounge reading and The Bad Plus’ jazz trio deconstruction of the grunge classic. Glasper manages to make it his own and interesting at the same time.