Robert Glasper & Bilal At NPR Music's 10th Anniversary Concert

Robert Glasper's music is a study in convergences. A pianist, bandleader and composer with a strong foothold in modern jazz, he belongs no less to the terrain of contemporary gospel, alternative hip-hop - and R&B, the category under which he won his first two Grammy awards (of three). Glasper has carved a signature out of this cross-genre dialogue; consult his recent explainer for Jazz Night in America, about the jazz roots of some famous hip-hop samples.
At NPR Music's 10th Anniversary Concert at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., Glasper came to play, bringing longtime associate Derrick Hodge on electric bass and a newer collaborator, Justin Tyson, on drums. The performance began with something like an invocation, as Hodge played a chiming and meditative elaboration on "Portrait of Tracy," a ballad by Jaco Pastorius.
What came next was an unbilled guest: Bilal, the shape-shifting R&B vocalist who has known Glasper since the first day of freshman year at the New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music in New York. They dug into "All Matter," a tune that first appeared on Glasper's 2009 album Double Booked, later resurfacing on Bilal's 2010 release Airtight Revenge. The lyrics establish a philosophical reflection well suited to our times:
We're all the same
And all so very different
Divine by design
It all intertwines
Glasper and Bilal have performed "All Matter" countless times, always managing to find some new motivation in the song. This performance features a keyboard solo that starts out terse and gradually opens up and expands, hinting at some tricky rhythmic displacement that Tyson later ratifies, in his spectacular drum solo.
Glasper's solemn but uplifting piano interlude leads into another Bilal original, "Levels," a portrait of relationship strife that refuses to lay the blame fully on either side. It's an argument for rendering complexity with clarity - something Glasper and crew know a thing or two about. -- Nate Chinen
SET LIST
"Portrait of Tracy" (excerpt) by Jaco Pastorius
"All Matter" by Bilal Oliver
"Levels" by Bilal Oliver
CREDITS
Director: Colin Marshall; Producers: Colin Marshall, Benjamin Naddaff-Hafrey; Technical Director: Josh Rogosin; Live Mix Engineer: Shawn "Gus" Vitale; Supervising Producer: Mito Habe-Evans; Managing Producers: Bob Boilen, Jacob Ganz, Jessica Goldstein, Abby O'Neill; Creative Director and Producer: Peter Glantz; Concert Videographers: Bronson Arcuri, Kara Frame, Nickolai Hammar, Morgan Noelle Smith, Maia Stern, Niki Walker; Production Assistant: CJ Riculan; Editor: Annabel Edwards; Special Thanks: The 9:30 Club; Executive Producers: Anya Grundmann, Keith Jenkins.

[@RobFlaxMusic]

Derrick Hodge is so friggin' good. I saw Glasper Experiment in Boston a couple years ago, and I stupidly asked what gear he was using... After the answer was a nothing-fancy amp, somebody leaned in and whispered to me... "dude it's his fingers." 😂

[@juliehunter8621]

Omg that’s funny

[@zewefred1744]

Respect.A lot of time and practice goes in there but we just enjoy the end product

[@rossanozanga9581]

Yes mate, Derrick is a good bass player, but Jaco is still the best ever, both in touch and sound; he used a fretless bass.

[@voodoochile4147]

😂😂😂

[@voodoochile4147]

@@rossanozanga9581Yes Jaco is in a league of his own. Derrick pays Jaco homage and is obviously influenced by him among other bassists. But Derrick is better than good. He’s remarkable and extraordinary. Let’s not downplay his ability and obvious natural talent. The man’s fingers ought to be smoking! 😂

[@voyager1369]

Bilal is one of the most underrated vocalists of the last 15 years. Thanks for giving him some shine NPR. #PhillyRepresent

[@geraldtyus8645]

I thought I was the only one that notices this.🌹❤️🌹

[@tsholomokubung6156]

Agreed

[@latanyabryant-calahan1802]

I agree

[@domju6546]

Also Rogiérs investigate

[@julesshively]

underrated? bro's everywhere and worked with kendrick lamar since at least a decade ago

[@bankolefrancis1149]

Bilal has the best falsetto. His Voice in general is super dope...

[@IamOrganised]

You can tell this is a Jazz gig because everyone can clap in time

[@davidmenard9747]

You can tell it’s a jazz gig because they’re playing jazz music

[@malikr2271]

@@davidmenard9747 right tf lol

[@janakelly1751]

That's hilarious and true!

[@douse89]

😂😂

[@JacksWorldMedia]

😂

[@lew708]

Got me over here in tears of remembrance, reflection, and celebration...Didn’t know they were gonna perform “All Matter”...It’s a song that I listened to on repeat when my mother passed away and it helped get me through...Shout out to Robert Glasper, Bilal, and NPR....Mother, your presence and spirit are truly missed. Love you! Rest easy.

[@batiyahyisrael]

LivSimple ❤

[@TracyAllenVideos]

Sending you much love n HuGzzz in 2020

[@wotabottle]

Godbless

[@johngillians1027]

I share your healing.

[@theonewhoknows9787]

🦋🙏🙏

[@AwesomeBeatBoy]

I could listen to Robert Glasper and Bilal all day

[@jonasdamion1627]

The drummers that work with glasper are mindblowing.. All Matter here is so beautiful

[@spiros51731]

That Jaco tribute in the beginning really touched me....kudos!!!!!!

[@daniellevy2267]

Derrick Hodge!! sound, time and chops are on point

[@SuperBromberg]

he is f*cking killing it! folks surprisingly don't notice it(

[@nyshonadonis3323]

I believe the artist like Bilal and Erykah and all these artists who weren't mainstream at first will have lots more success than weve seen in years to come beacuse in their time they were in the future which is NOW so now that they are still making music at this time its going to be respected more. Im happy to be alive at this time of music.

[@MylesBullen]

on point!!

[@basquiatsbasementent.8739]

WELL PLAYED SIR! WELL PLAYED

[@AlexWhiteLanda]

"I'm happy to be alive at this time in music" is something you don't hear everyday. Refreshing.

[@00RV00]

I'm so happy as well! This is a time where musicians don't need to compromise their vision to succeed, because they don't need to be in the mainstream to reach a lot of people, thanks to the internet. You can have a niche of millions.

[@nyshonadonis3323]

@@00RV00 Absolutely and still make a big impact on people without the extra glitz and glam

[@clarissab5882]

Love this. Anything Robert Glasper and Bilal do together is gold. The bassist and drummer were amazing as well.

[@MosTalent]

The genius of Robert Glasper's framing of a melodic piece is something to behold, particularly when chords lay tapestry's behind the fluid occidentals of master vocalist, Bilal. Together they render the listener enchanted - the ensemble transports you to a space - a weightless, atmospheric, beautiful place ...The culmination of all things spiritual and artistic - we sit witness to creation...

[@anthonyallen7847]

Black radio forever big ups Robert glasper

[@DroneCorpse]

It's like a thesaurus threw up in here.

[@nisipeace464]

@@DroneCorpse 😊😂😂😂

[@matyasmarek3173]

Let it be officially known, that i hate this comment.

[@tiffanyfoxworth3491]

​@@matyasmarek3173stop hating

[@gabvalente]

What a drummer, ladies and gentlemens.

[@timekeep3r]

Justin Tysonnn :) I had to make sure it was him, he looks hella different without his dreads. He has that Gospel Chops background.

[@gabvalente]

Ferdie Fox yeaah, and the cool thing is that he has an insaaaane groove. Lots of gospel chops drummers can't hold a beat like this

[@darrencharles]

glasper only works with the illest of drummers it seems.

[@sevenminaya1390]

They've been together for a minute now thou.

[@blanketman23]

He's plays Esperanza Spalding occasionally too

[@ruggedtechie5867]

That drummer is a freaking metronome ....tight

[@DW-oe1vx]

Rugged Techie dude is dope..

[@Organise_Space]

Oh come on all he has to do is keep up with that bass ;-)

[@hightolerance2500]

Justin Tyson’s slicker than WD40 💯💯💯

[@whotookjimirocket]

bones

[@whotookjimirocket]

@@hightolerance2500 hahahahaha smoother than olive oil

[@derrickro3195]

Bilals voice reminds me of prince how he change tunes its so unique respect

[@cuevasstephens3768]

A Bilal concert is a musical experience.

[@Anhel6]

Indeed, takes you to a totally different place

[@havenofrest5970]

Bilal is de expression of vocals beyond normal dimension, Robert glasper is de catalyst that speeds up musical reactions in the soul ...

[@angelbarrios6588]

Loooove the nods to Jaco here

[@MeMe4882]

Like you read my mind!

[@hightolerance2500]

PHL recognizes PHL 💯💯💯

[@prenomnom3176]

This wonderful drummer Justin Tyson is the perfect match with this nice bass player Derrick Hodge ; they fit so good ! what a team them all!

[@turtles6610]

#respecther I feel like musically this is where my heart lies. Shoutout Robert Glasper, Bilal. Two of my favs. Great lyrics.

[@turtles6610]

Great to hear so many influences present in this... I heard Jaco...Chick Korea...many piano greats...Prince... I loved the Hip Hop style breakdown.

[@turtles6610]

Nasty drum solo. I love how they consistently made their brand in bending genres and templates and tempos while being able to snap back into the groove. Its unorthodox and its real and chaotic.

[@MrSidneyd15]

Definitely one of the greatest of our time in Bilal! He has the anointing to sing any key range or tone he wants, indeed flawless🔥🔥💯✌🏾✊🏾👊🏾

[@JamesMilliron-cg8mv]

I love how from 5:20 Bilal says "you don't gotta TRY. all you gotta do is realize" and then Robert goes into an improvised version of his piano on "Why Do We TRY" from the first Black Radio album. Subtle. But great for longtime fans. This is art.

[@JamesMilliron-cg8mv]

It really kicks in at 6:09

[@JamesMilliron-cg8mv]

Dang he actually ran "Why Do We Try" until 10:00 and just never told NPR. haha. Legendary

[@EnockTsagli]

Amazing comment right here

[@MzSoulll]

Imma need Bilal to get PROPS....like can my son have his moment? cuz he's outchea lowkey having a real good year. Salute to the sounds...he is a whole entire vibe on his own. Don't get me started on Glasper. whoo...man. like oxtail gravy for my soul. lol

[@matt.pma.kresnaputra5458]

Oxtail gravy hahahahaha 👌🏾

[@riffchiefguy]

"Oxtail gravy" LOL Jamaica in the house??

[@MzSoulll]

Joshua Robinson lol 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@riffchiefguy]

AYYYYEEE LOL It's lit

[@ashley-dior2636]

You're so right. Bilal is the truth which is why did a #sleptonartistsundays thread on twitter featuring him a few weeks ago. He retweeted it. Been on the scene for a min.

[@sigmarieti8]

All i see is young talents, all i hear is Soul and all i feel is LOVE...❤🙏🏼 Respect and Blessings🙌🏽

[@superawesomeyeahh]

solid opening by derrick hodge!

[@another_bites_the_crust_pizza]

superawesomeyeahh slappin' da baass!

[@jasonredhead5836]

So we not gonna say nothing about Robert playing two pianos with one hand each without even looking at the keys.. Smh. Honestly though.. and that drummer😩. Man that's talent n skill to the next level. Great music guys!

[@nilskavanagh]

I mean its not super hard to play without looking, but i have to agree with you on the skill part, seriously good performers

[@intuneorange]

He was a big fan of Hazel Scott

[@pgonzo98]

i just can't figure bilal out. sometimes i just don't feel it but perfomances like this one i'm like aww there it is... magnificence...

[@naomirose6910]

Amazing. Every Bilal performance I attend or watch is a whole new experience. So glad he keeps blessing us despite the attempted takeover of "pop" music. This made my soul feel good.

[@supachefify]

Maaaaan... Give da drumma some. He smashed dat solo with so much integrity. Uhhh so refreshing w/ RB on the keys. 💯😌✊🏾🎶🎵

[@ambriaaaa]

This whole set made my full body vibrate. DERRICK HODGE, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH

[@teddyboyat3109]

An epic concert! All the musicians are amazing! Their soulfullness and dexterity are astonishing.

[@wongadozampongwana6533]

D Hodge man....thank you NPR,thank you Glasper for always bringing out the greats to rock with.

[@sjoerdt4812]

loved the influence of portrait of tracy from jaco pastorious in the intro :)

[@lawyertocitizen9326]

and Marcus

[@arj446_]

Still written and originally played by Pastorius ! Great playing by Hodge.

[@lawyertocitizen9326]

Yes !

[@pellejaspers4854]

Thomas offcoarse great playing bij derrick, he will go down as one of the best to ever touch a bass

[@cmsinla]

Keeping the Jaco torch burning brightly. Very nice.

[@jennapicken6353]

This is one of the most powerful sets I've ever heard, and I feel it's just not nearly well known enough!

[@memorial2k8]

last song is so incredible... stellar performance by bilal... theyre killing it

[@PRJobTips]

Outstanding musicianship, pure and simple.

[@GV_777YT]

Some of the most inspired freest forms of divine expression humans are capable to create, right here. To God be All Glory for all the talent and perseverance He gifted this humans with.

[@Shefamusic]

What a gem. This needed to happen a long time ago. Bilal /Glasper project. Such a blessing when you watching this high af

[@MoneyMagnet2222]

The intro. O. M. G.

[@megajames3000]

portrait of tracy and continuum mixed in there... DERRICK HODGE IS A BEAST

[@nathans4957]

man justin tyson just keeps gettin better. scary stuff

[@jeremyjacobs3539]

This is an all star team. 🔥🔥

[@gregcurtis7682]

Y'all don't understand!!! This is my lil home!!! He is great!!! Im supper proud of him!!!! Love you Glaass!!!!

[@deanakjefferson9278]

Anybody that works wit GLASPER IS TOP NOTCH!!

[@ShonTolliverMusic]

Had this on my calendar for MONTHS and wanted to attend. Freaking went out of town and missed this performance I my life is in shambles.

[@hightolerance2500]

RG’S inner being channeled the gods on “Levels” 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@supimchris]

I like how they kicked that off with a little Jaco.

[@supimchris]

Portrait of Tracy - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnbWZqaBeb2Nq80

[@supimchris]

Continuum - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jl6ndGqkeqd8iJI

[@aamigo_]

thought the same! when i heard the first harmonics i recognized the song...

[@Titinefer1129]

It's 10/22/2020 and this is soothing the frayed edges of my soul right now.

[@rochard1]

The Jaco tribute blew my entire mind. I need several moments.

[@bigbodywaverg1423]

When music hits the emotions of mankind when it's sound takes hold of the soul and won't let go when the mind ,body, and soul cry for more like a roller coaster ride that won't end taking you into another place like announcement people I am no longer hear enjoy the ride is what I get from the brother Bilal Everytime I hear his music and Robert Glasper need I say more these brothers are truly blessed with talent to pull something out of the people that intrigue that love and listen kinda like turning on a light switch and then turning it off hate when the song is over but filled with enough until the next session this is how music should make you feel if it don't then I'm to say it's not REALMUSIC fellas when you with your ladies vibe When Whites Turn To Gray by BILAL on repeat you'll thank me later 🔥 🔥🔥🔥💪💪👏👏👏

[@aaronking2521]

beautiful. that bass player nailed "a portrait of tracy". Jaco would be proud.

[@anesumichael4173]

Harmonics so perfect 😘 Bilal voice is so magical

[@ceeregina]

I really enjoy the bass solo my goodness it was good. Bilal I give the utmost respect to I admire his music and I must say I havent seen a singer yet from philly disappoint. Facts. Robert Glasper is one of the greatest composer and producer ever everyone he callbo with their voices are so in tune with the melody.

[@lordorbnauticus]

Continuum of Tracy? Hodge is greatness...

[@MsLOOSENZ]

Bass player playing JACO's music.....OMG I loved and miss him so

[@dr.b7754]

This drummer is soooooo very cold. The whole crew is dope.

[@RuiLopesOutrorui]

You ain't even gotta try... All you gotta do is realize these guys rock :)

[@somafiora]

I could just listen to that guy play bass all day

[@kinglouey8858]

Achieved without horns; such a groove it’s hard to believe.

[@jeremylawrencemusic]

Bilal can sing out of tune and it still sounds good - him and Badu share that specialness.

[@nnnnsaakadamanas218]

Beautiful. Lovely tribute to Jaco at the beginning (portrait of tracy by jaco pastorius, for anyone wondering - really, really magnificent piece)

[@FlasKamel]

Sampled in "Pigeon" by Cannibal Ox as well!

[@shnootch]

derrick hodge is a beautiful player

[@BrianJFox-ys5wx]

Actually, Continuum.

[@sduqueMytuts]

it's both! portrait of tracy and continuum

[@simmiedavissimmiesings8185]

Actually he played more of Continuum

[@Kurrency1911]

I like the mixed ensembles but when RG and Derrick Hodge combine its other worldly the vibe they produce !!!

[@verapaige7915]

his voice is phenominal

[@carltonwhite9682]

This music will never be mainstream. If you follow the entire neo-soul/jazz influenced tribe (the Roots to Glasper to Kamasi and everything in between), its about the music not popularity. I am lucky, I live in an area in which there is a terrestrial radio station that concentrates on genuine artistry. A playlist this week included Coltrane, Greg Porter, Erykah Baduh, Roy Ayers, E Family, Incognito, Esperanza Spalding, Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper, Donald Byrd, Jill Scott, Norman Connors, Ledisi, Sonny Fortune, George Duke, and Tank and the Bangas. My favorite cut of the week was Herb Alpert and Hugh Masekela's "People Make the World Go Round."

[@HausHinson]

I dunno fam - the fact that it's on NPR means it may have reached the critical mass necessary to be considered "mainstream" - also - R.I.P Hugh Masekela.

[@carltonwhite9682]

Julian, I don't consider NPR mainstream. I'm on NPR everyday; and what they play is not heard on "mainstream top 40 radio." I catch the good shit on a local Baha'i station that brings the noise. It ain't Beyonce, Cardi B. or the latest annointee Bruno Mars. They are great at what they do, but they don't advance the art form. Them dudes playing above are straight craftsmen!!!!! Long Live the Jazz Guild! Soulquarians forever!!!

[@HausHinson]

carlton white honestly....I listened again, and I disagree with my own self. The bassist alone left me in awe.

[@Aplustradomus]

Jesus...Tyson made a damn tear come out my eye..Man i need practice...

[@jlgmail1580]

Robert Glasper great work! thank you NPR (in my home DC)

[@swankster6872]

This is crazy. We're getting so much inspiration from those dudes..

[@stellajones-tooson5846]

God is love and the lyrics truly reflect who he (GOD) is.

[@sinethembayantolo]

Someone please go listen to the Bass at 08:43 - 08:50 🔥🔥🔥🔥😭😭😭

[@donstrickland4347]

To understand this opening is to know the greatness within this musician.

[@msongy7]

i got chillz.. some things cannot be explained.

[@NicoMichea]

Levels is maybe one of the most beautiful songs í’ve heard in so much time, but specially this version blows my mind

[@daillekettrell4708]

This music expands your mind, body AND spirit! As it should be...AMEN. I left here truly sated

[@martag.1993]

Otherworldly. I am speechless.

[@JamesMilliron-cg8mv]

When I die, I hope that Robert Glasper and Bilal have some part of my eternal soundtrack.

[@vegard609]

two things Do you ever think some people are made for playing music? I think it`s time for progressive hip-hop to emerge.

[@japas]

Yes! It's on its way

[@xochitlvilorio8085]

Oh god shut up, hip hop os better than it ever was and if you cant find something to dig, ur just not paying attention enough

[@jas_bataille]

1) You make yourself up mostly but yes some people are I guess, but it's more up to you to make yourself. 2) Progressive hip-hop exist since Mile Davis' last album with the Doo-Bop song featuring rapping, and you are actually listening to progressive hop-hop in a sense - those drums are heavily influenced by programming, especially J Dilla. So it's been a long time that progressive hip-hop emerged. It's coming to the mainstream through Anderson .Paak, which is like the definition of progressive/fusion hip-hop, and Kendrick Lamar, with a lof of jazz influences.

[@dawnibolical]

It exist and thrives in a place where your people can't destroy it. You people are like the people at 20:09 you hear it but don't get it

[@ME-wx5dg]

Absolutely lovin this …. but miss casey😢 still a very underrated band. Gorgeous

[@saravdcd]

At 23 seconds in I hit the like button.

[@diggabledork]

A few seconds later I already regretted that I had but one like to give.

[@harleySOfficial]

sara davenport Facts

[@OxumahSpeaks]

honestly his recorded tracks doesnt give his voice any justice

[@tootsmcgoots1866]

don't*

[@MissSuperHottie]

Exactly! He's one you have to see LIVE! It's not a concert, but an experience

[@vernoncwhite1]

And nobody gave the Jamiroquai heavy cream they dropped in? 🍾💩💥💯

[@micheli2521]

nineties Baby Bilal voice and improv is not ever expressed on album, only live. EXACTLY how PRINCE never played mind blowing guitar on albums; only live!

[@themixscientist]

Indeed. Most times labels want their artist to create, in so many words, a "consumable" product that a buyer can purchase hence the constant battle between label and artist.

[@davidholyfieldiii4120]

Thank you David,to be able to be with the ones who never mind that I am,they never fail and over the rainbow I go home. Safe. Priceless appreciation. Natasha Mama Rita's only daughter.....

[@isaacsan50]

I played so many times this video... I'm not tired yet!!

[@somafiora]

Man I have never heard a singer like this

[@idellboykin1247]

Awesome concert and so beautifully done

[@alexanderiaanderson1819]

I just need Bilal to play Prince in his biopic!

[@mayakovskaya6710]

these guys are just epic together.

[@victorh.l.h.3138]

Did you guys see that Alien playing the drums? :O Justin Tyson just too much!

[@vincentmagangakaettuh2525]

Incredible

[@kenyonfields]

It's "Continuum", not "Portrait of Tracy", that Derrick opens with. A few nods towards Tracy, but then Continuum. Man, what a band.

[@manb4war]

I hear ya Jaco....very nice Derrick!!! exquisite

[@ctraltu]

what a great sound and fantastic music

[@trayvaisjohnson7743]

Man started with portrait of Tracey. I already know where this is going 😮‍💨😮‍💨🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@GangBlud]

THANK YOU NPR

[@priestessmaat7236]

Sound waves encapsulate each cell with divine timber!

[@BrianJFox-ys5wx]

Hey NPR could you correct the title of the bass opening and solo piece? It was actually Continuum, also by Jaco Pastorius. Derek literally played two cliche notes from Jaco that had made their way into one rendition of Portrait of Tracy, and then proceeded to play multiple choruses of Continuum. Thanks for posting this excellent content from Robert Glasper and friends!

[@Lamo2100]

Brian J. Fox Your exactly right.either way, Im glad these modern guys are tributing Jaco. Ppl may actually dig deeper than the surface.

[@archiemilan]

Thanks for the clarification Brian. I knew I heard just a little bit of Portrait of Tracy but thanks for the clarification on it actually being Continuum.

[@mpcre8tive747]

Now I must listen to Continuum.

[@blacjazzz]

MPCRE8TIVE yes yes

[@pabloordas3775]

Yesssssssss Derrick Hodge in da houseeeee

[@theWarriorUnknown]

Really cool creative and original music just what I love to hear thank you guys.

[@carltonwhite9682]

illedelph's derrick hodge on bass is very understated (underrated?). "Portrait of Tracy" is classic Jaco!

[@yeahwemadeoutonce]

so glad to see rob at npr again

[@adriennewoodfork9087]

They bring it honey HOME ❗️Loving this on all levels of personal performance ❗️❗️❤️♠️💚✊🏾add the collabs part baby BYE ❗️❗️

[@melizandliz]

O.M.G this is so so so beautiful

[@rasqueen1]

His vocals reminds me so much of prince sometimes!!!