Robert Glasper Group: Shines at 14th Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival

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By Alexander Johnson
For Seventies Soul Report.com

Robert Andre Glasper, 46, is a super-talented pianist, record producer, music arranger and composer. During his recent stint at the 14th annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, the Houston-born musician, with band support, displayed all those attributes and more during his hour-long presentation near the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, on Liberty Avenue – downtown Pittsburgh

Though his music is categorized in the jazz genre, through his brief but successful career, Glasper has managed to avoid the limitation boxes of his critics while displaying his versatility as a new-school jazz cat – able to reach various musical categories in a naturally smooth manner.

During his September 21, 2024 Pittsburgh visit, he displayed his virtuosity while performing parts of his Grammy-winning, breakout CD “Black Radio” from 2012. That production netted him Best R&B Album at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. In 2013, he teamed with Hip-Hop internationally-renowned Kendrick Lamar on the sequel release, ‘Black Radio 2.’

Glasper’s initial influencer was his mother, Kim Yvette Glasper, both a jazz vocalist and gospel choir director in Missouri City, Texas. Those dual aspects has helped Glasper’s knack as a bonafide jazzer and equally comfortable with Hip-Hop/Neosoul artists like Bilal, Jill Scott, J Dilla and Mos Def.

My advice – if you ever get an opportunity to witness Robert Glasper live, onstage, make it your business to witness the artistry of this young entertainment phenomenon. He’s well worth the admission ticket. — By AJ.

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