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Matthew Ruddick

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Author of Funny Valentine, an acclaimed new biography of the jazz trumpet player and singer, Chet Baker.
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Saturday, 24 September 2016 12:47

Robert Glasper Experiment - ArtScience

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The album that is sure to be nominated for a Grammy.

This is the Robert Glasper Experiment's third album release following Black Radio 1 and Black Radio 2, and the EPs Black Radio Recovered and Port Chops. In my opinion three years overdue!

This quartet, as you would expect, are in high demand; Casey Benjamin working with the likes of Q-Tip, Derrick Hodge with Common and Mark Colenburg with Bilal. Last, but not least, Mr. Robert Glasper who has worked with Kendrick Lamar, Erykah Badu and wrote some of the tracks for the Miles Davis movie, Miles Ahead. The list of who's who is endless, and could be covered in its own article. 

The Experiment have broken their usual modus operandi, and performed all the vocals on the new album, using a vocoder to enhance the mood of the moment. No guest artists were used or harmed in the production of this album...honest guvnor!

This Is Not Fear opens what could be easily mistaken for a Wayne Shorter tune, as Robert subtly introduces the half beat queues over the crashing of Colenburg’s drums. Robert Glasper introduces the quintet members over a hip-hop beat, which literally prepares you for the rest of the album.   

Thinking 'Bout You is a nice slow funky jam dedicated to those who are left at home whilst the band tours the globe. Reference is made to New York, LA, Japan and UK. You can guess where this collective is touring or simply check out http://www.songkick.com/artists/6393334-robert-glasper-experiment

Day To Day has a heavy funk and disco vibe. Something tells me this will a commercial success akin to Pharrell Williams' Happy. This track is radio friendly and the lyrics appeal to the largest musical demographics literally living day to day. Very uplifting, and one I played continuously. The official video is already available to listen on YouTube. 

No One Like You has a nice retro feel about it and performed in the style that Sting did back in the 1980s. The tune is nicely sung with uncomplicated lyrics over Mark's straight rim-shots ending in a drum and bass dance style. I am not sure how an artist manages to introduce so many music styles in one track, but the Robert Glasper Experiment seem to manage this effortlessly. 

You And Me; a slow R&B jam and sure to be a favourite for couples everywhere. Loving the lyrics "You take my breath away all day, every day".  His fans on his upcoming tour will sing this tune for sure.  

Tell Me A Bedtime Story is literally a story; and one tune you can't help tap your feet and nod your head to. Echoes of Herbie Hancock.

Find You is a fast-paced track that makes you want to jump up and down with a fusion of psychedelic funk rock. This ends with a cute narrative on equality from Robert Glasper's son.  Again, the official video is already available to listen on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzTflMPresE 

In My Mind very is much like Weather Report with the bass has that Pastorius ‘prog’ vibe. This track is filled with adrenaline and you could end up with a speeding ticket if you're not careful!

Hurry Slowly has a retro disco tempo and will be a commercial success as a single. Nice vocoder work. Nice!

Written In Stone is not my favourite track on the album and leans towards the soft rock genre. However, I cannot help but sing the lyrics. This will grow on me whether I like it or not. 

Let's Fall In Love is a slow jam and one that may give you a cue to dim the lights. Well you know the rest... 

Human is a cover of the popular electronic/new wave classic written by the Human League in 1986; unfortunately there is nothing fresh about this cover, which is not the Robert Glasper we know and love. Robert Glasper does new wave in a new wave style.

There are not many albums I get excited pending the release; however, this will be a nice addition to the collection and on constant play everyday in the weeks ahead!

 

Review: Fernando Rose

 

Read 3060 times Last modified on Monday, 25 September 2017 08:45

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