Robert Glasper Trio – Mood - Fresh Sound New Talent

Robert Glasper is a 20-some pianist originally from Houston who has gained experience and exposure on the New York scene in the bands of Russell Malone, Mark Whitfield, and Marcus Strickland. On the jazz tip, he has also led a noted, well-frequented jam session on Thursday nights at the UpAndOver Cafe in Brooklyn. There's another side to Glasper though: he's been a mainstay in the touring band of R&B sensation Bilal (a guest on two tracks here). So on Mood, his debut record, he brings both influences to the fold, albeit in a way definitely slanted to the jazz side of his expression.

Mood might be interpreted at first sight to be a "mood record." This is accurate only as relates to the tracks with Bilal though, which include a very ethereal version of Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" and the vocal feature "Don't Close Your Eyes," which is definitely a moody ballad to say the least. For those not familiar, Bilal is not a stereotypical male R&B vocalist in any way, so he should prove to be of interest to openminded listeners. He doesn't try to be a "jazz singer" here but he's not asked to be either, only to bring his thing to the table in terms of generating some serious atmosphere.