Robert Glasper Experiment: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

The third song in this Tiny Desk Concert, explains the jocose pianist Robert Glasper, first appeared on one of his trio's albums of acoustic, instrumental jazz. It was called "F.T.B." then, though it later acquired words and a singer and was retitled "Gonna Be Alright" on the record which won the 2013 Grammy for Best R&B Album. That in itself provides a sense of the worlds to which Glasper has access; depending on your point of view, he either freely traverses or explodes those boundaries.
Glasper has released two albums of what you might call neo-soul, or maybe organic R&B, featuring a core band (The Robert Glasper Experiment) and guest stars like Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco and Norah Jones. Black Radio and last year's sequel, Black Radio 2, aren't heard much on "urban" radio, but the point is that they ought to be. Glasper builds his songs with old-school values: singers and MCs who don't need software to carry a melody, improvising within a band, hand-building beats and vamps with live instruments.
That's what you see at the Tiny Desk. "Trust" features Marsha Ambrosius, formerly of the duo Floetry, and it's a good example of the Black Radio concept in raw, unpasteurized form. The middle tune is an ad hoc improvisation, and a good example of how Glasper and his Experiment have so dialed in their communication that they can plant seeds of noise and harvest blooms of music. By the time "F.T.B" (a.k.a. "Gonna Be Alright") rolls around, the mood is familiar and at ease. It's the sound of a band whose members speak many musical languages, but decide to converse in one that feels like its native tongue.
--PATRICK JARENWATTANANON
Set List
"Trust"
"NPR Tiny Desk Jam"
"F.T.B. (Gonna Be Alright)"
Personnel
Robert Glasper, keyboards
Derrick Hodge, bass
Mark Colenburg, drums
Marsha Ambrosius, voice
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Becky Harlan, Meredith Rizzo

[@martijn106]

I am truly amazed about the fact that the drummer got so manny different sounds out of such a small kit. Nothing but respect!

[@sqwert999]

The drummer did add Tiny Desk's TIny Gong to his Tiny Kit tho.

[@mechellemcbride]

Mark Colenburg is no joke!!!

[@rapinncapin123]

I didn't even notice, truly dope

[@jimlaws3985]

That’s musicianship & creativity. ❤️

[@Snulrich]

Limitations breed creativity

[@Deerych]

Robert Glasper is a true musician...a gift to inspire us on this draining planet.

[@jessykahayaana5575]

Dee Rich Absolutely!

[@BRaNSHAVIA]

amen

[@caminosdeljaguar4428]

draining planet. lol. There is much of everything on this planet. Whats pivotal is how we carry ourselves and what we choose to embody through it all. Blessings. Yeah hes a genuine musical genius. peace..

[@GeorgeReid]

Dee Rich LOL

[@westong5843]

Look into the planet being a plain, an enclosed system created and perfect. Do not let the fear mongers of this world affect you. Turn your head away and lift your eyes to the heavens

[@michaeljaguar1576]

Marsha's low register is warm heartfelt soul, with a nice rasp. Her higher register is like rain drops gently falling, while a golden sun is still out shining, and there's a rainbow on the horizon. Beautiful.

[@M33TM3DUD3]

Just like your words, homie. Art is truly the way of enlightening expression

[@acaldwe1174]

Her voice is the other instrument.

[@lexijustasiam895]

Beautifully said.

[@iprofessionalamateur]

One Love.

[@Mityob67]

Well said

[@kofiperry19]

I didn't realize how damn skilled the drummer is until I came back and listened to this video again 5 times

[@alexgreen5064]

The drummer and bassist are so sharp and in tune with Glasper it's unreal. A joy to behold.

[@SLokutaR]

Careful using sharp as a descriptor for musicians

[@catalinlazar4175]

​@@SLokutaR they really sound flat and down to earth.

[@Mrjusbofficial]

Check out Derrick Hodge album. He is so dope.

[@wuodbonde]

I love how Robert Glasper always brings good vibes. Reminds everyone that music is about fun, joy and expression.

[@DonBrownDrums]

Does anybody notice the slight humming of Glasper when he's playing . You'll hear it with your headphones . But he's singing and adding harmony's with the keys from time to time.

[@StarLordIRL]

Don lol when I first noticed it, I was ticked off with my headphones. Like "What is that buzzing?!?!?" LOL that man is singing over his own tracks lol

[@erickhuanangoable]

As soon as I heard it, I checked the comments to make sure I wasn’t crazy... I’m not crazy! 😂 he’s definitely humming

[@darnellkirkland784]

Happens sometimes when you get lost in the vibe

[@niklaslachmann1038]

Erroll Garner used to do that too... A little bit louder

[@cremebrulee6667]

@@niklaslachmann1038 and Tigran

[@charliechaplin7959]

Who else but a jazz artist can so confidently pull off a spontaneous improvisation? Jazz is the best music eva!!!!!! The perfect blend of intellectualism and soul.

[@blitzgreg1]

You nailed it. That's jazz in a nutshell

[@bretti12]

🙏🏿❤️

[@aaronmclean4618]

Jazz is everything, it's gospel, it's soul, it's hip hop, it's rhythm and blues, it's pop, there's so many places u can take jazz.

[@TheTamaraHarris]

Well said❤

[@ourworldenterable]

Her voice is so soothing …

[@divineintervention1844]

Grown folks music. Energy, as it's presented. This was everything.

[@DoppelgangerShockwave]

I love when musicians can just start jamming live and just let things go and see what happens. The best music is always the most spontaneous. :)

[@TheSolution4Kickz]

this is pure!

[@morioh6505]

I dont think there is such thing as best music, bcause music is art and there is no art better than other, but i respect your opinion, just remember art is a way to express how you feel

[@tehxperience]

@Electrono9 theres a big difference in musicianship thats hard to see if two bands just played the same song they already know but you get found out when just trying to react to everything thats going on with your own theory knowledge and mastery of your instrument

[@JQHH98]

You'd really dig the Grateful Dead then. They did this for their concerts for nearly 30 years.

[@silverback1017]

8:50 can we just take a minute and appreciate the drummer.

[@LEOsoulMonarch]

We can take several minutes. As a matter of fact, where you been at fam? We had a drummer appreciation club a few comments up. Lol. Jk jk.

[@seansartor]

Robert Glasper makes the STARS align. My dude has worked with some of The Best

[@ZaiahBoy15]

I love that bass line D Hodge does @10:37... Beautiful. This whole set is great but I especially love the improv.

[@bwalkeri]

One of the more underrated shows even at 1.5 million. Enough people do not know about this man

[@Smoothways]

I just cant get enough of the drums and bass:inspired and yet never losing the pocket!

[@maxmilianmusic]

Robert really nailed what Tiny Desk should be... and not bc he's a npr fan but bc he's a music lover

[@michaelbellamy7846]

Glasper is super talented. Marsha is awesome. This is REAL Music!

[@DeepCrossing1]

Hodge is sublime on bass, so present, he can by lyrical, rhythmic, and he brings his own sense of harmony which gives the performance another dimension

[@colinthorn]

Beautifully said. Everything he does seems like perfection, even to my non-musician ears

[@cbro777]

Just discovered this amazing musician today. Robert Glasper.... I'm a fan...wow! Nice touch and style.

[@Blessguys]

Me too man he's amazing !!

[@lew708]

Awe man!...Glad for you!...I have been a fan of Glasper since his beginning and have ALL his albums! Love the feeling of finding something wonderful such as the musical talents of musicians like Glasper!...Dive into his older music also, you won't regret it!

[@dragonfly4484]

You are a smart man

[@cbro777]

Wow....delicious!!! Second, third and forth time around.

[@jessykahayaana5575]

Chuck You must see him live. He's amazing and very down to earth.

[@soniajackson1271]

Marsha Ambrosius does it Every time!!! I can watch it over and over again!!!💓😍

[@emanuly]

Marsha sounds just like the record, and Robert is genius as always.

[@justinleokennedy]

The "NPR Tiny Desk Jam" showcases the kind of musicianship that I find inspiring. Unbelievable.

[@jkl.guitar]

there needs to be a band with glasper, thundercat, and spalding

[@hannahchichester6089]

+Jahka YASSS

[@natefuller4258]

+Jahka Are you implying thundercat is a better bassist than spalding?

[@natefuller4258]

+Jahka Ah... But I guess that would make me imply spalding is a better singer than thundercat.

[@jkl.guitar]

Nate Fuller you can never go wrong with two soul singers, call and response is an essential soul characteristic

[@MrLordHasta]

+Nate Fuller Thundercat's singing is great though, he's obviously not a very great singer but there's something about his voice that I love

[@micstro99]

I've been a Glasper fan for years but, Mark C. Is killing! Not to mention Hodge is on another planet.

[@clarissamejia6933]

Chris brown, THIS is Robert Glasper

[@A.ChristopherJohnson]

Amen homie, even love his Trio better dude !!

[@yogi.photos5494]

Oh, My, God. Them piecing together that improv was just mesmerizing. The magic of the beats at work. Beautiful.

[@woodrowscott4426]

I can't tell you how many times I've replayed this over the past 2 years. lol...

[@NickPanoutsos]

The bass opening on F.T.B is incredible

[@myingratealbinochild4825]

Robert and Marsha are a great collaboration. Perfect together.

[@slaton44]

Today I found this, honestly one of my favorite NPR TDs, insane talent

[@naturalbeauty8026]

Simply beautiful ❤️

[@zaihiraray]

Superlatives cannot express how sublime this music is.. It feeds us, and so nourishes hungry souls. And it's spiritually inspiring. Heavenly colouratura to these Vocals..so very deeply satisfying. Takes me way beyond this world, mentally.

[@Snapsta123]

💯 beautifully said i can see the spiritually awakened in these comments🌷

[@colinthorn]

That's such a beautiful comment. Thank you

[@luisadias241]

OMG. This is amazing. I just close my eyes and I can fly. Music is definitely the answer 🙏🏾

[@robertglasper7691]

Hi fan. Thanks for the love and support and I’m so happy music is the answer and I’m proud to be among making it an answer for you

[@keithwaters8334]

man... derrick is putting on a masterclass on how to play bass behind a vocalist.... Jesus. his phrasing and placement is unparalleled

[@jay1winner]

Her voice is Mesmerizing! Been a fan of hers since day one! Robert Glasper is amazing too.

[@Tfly33]

Marsha is so underrated 🔥🔥

[@MayflyBass]

This is Music for a cold winter night in Denmark....thanks !!! Now I'm sure spring will come again this year :-)

[@Jay-lp5xe]

Wooow just wooow! The part with Marsha singing was the most beautiful to me she looked, sounded and gestured so beautifully. Her voice sounds so passionate than soft again with the amazing bass player, drummer and of course the Genius RG!

[@girlmusician24]

Monk and Coltrane are probably smiling at him from heaven saying look at what we created.

[@garysteward3273]

Dats rite!!!!

[@JoePandur]

Eh, a bit of an overstatement... 😉

[@DaChef1974]

Man, it's a great tiny concert, but 'Trane was about something else entirely

[@MFmaxx]

Amazing talent all.

[@ziruini5071]

I personally don’t think saying that is an overstatement or that it devalues Monk or Trane’s work at all. They were the legends of their time, RG a legend of our time. Music evolves.

[@sosogelovani]

That BASS! shit! Killer! WOOW!

[@rememberneal9754]

the first song had me close to tears that was some beautiful stuff man. Robert Glaspe one of the few groups who sound as good if not better live

[@stuartbell6177]

I love the fact that Robert Glasper give his musicians there shine. These brotha's are cold blooded. Great music fellas.

[@kofiperry19]

HOLY FUCK these guys are pure genius!

[@darrylouting9583]

The rhythm section (BASS) drummer-boys is killin it.

[@DeepCrossing1]

The first chord from Glasper hits so deep, amazing key board tone, such a distinct sense of harmony

[@d.archerofficial]

Robert Glasper is amazing. I have all his albums and he continuously brings something new to the table every time. Love this guy!

[@user-cv6kd3vk4g]

I’m just amazed at this drummer

[@missfish11]

these two can be looking away from each other but still responding to each other's facial expressions, so in sync. one of the best collabs

[@drbellows]

Truly inspirational I’m so Happy I found Jazz at a young age, I just wished I would’ve pick up a instrument earlier.

[@thething6936]

never too late

[@jordyjo1093]

This is the comment.

[@Mjw90803]

Robert Glasper is just magic!

[@ashleydavis31]

Coolest thing ever! True musicians right here! Let's just make something up and see where it takes us??? Mad respect! Thank you for blessing our hearts and minds with your music!

[@robertglasper7691]

Hi fan. Thanks for the love and support.

[@OneManBand1]

YASSSSSSS!!!!!!!❤

[@theinfamouspokeinrichmondc3543]

Its 2019 and I am just now seeing this. Hey better late than never right?

[@ninayritamontecchiari5246]

Of course!

[@msmawusi]

Same

[@MrsCrazyrange]

Same!

[@KokenMel]

Yup

[@dakingsr]

Well I'm just seeing it in 2020. So don't feel bad. Absolutely amazing music!

[@aislinghill8837]

Marsha from Floetry! Her voice is amazing!

[@teacherscripts]

19:08 is sick how the tune starts suddenly.

[@DarioForte]

We just can go home and open a bottle of red wine and relax. Music just reached the top with this concert. Chapeau.

[@haveatomato]

Glasper is one of my favorites, his touch is so awesome.

[@DrNem0]

F.T.B. was just so badass, I mean it's like I can just feel my soul dancing to this. Yeah, this is music for the soul.

[@keremcandundar4824]

Man, usage of that mini gong was just genius,

[@theonecalledvino8165]

So pleasant... Even the guy on the record behind Marsha is Mesmerized. 3:21

[@iammadaboutmusic5440]

marshas voice gives me goose bumps. absolutely stunning vocals

[@melanatedsrx]

I just recently started listening to Jazz. Imma start with recent music and go back!!! I love his fusion of this music. Sends me high. Peace & Blessings

[@ronshina4022]

0:34 Trust 8:53 NPR Tiny Desk Jam 17:00 F.T.B. (Gonna Be Alright)

[@edsonmartins7738]

Marsha's vocal is astonishing!!

[@dylannelson501]

The more I watch this, the more amazed I am by this performance. The most unreal improv

[@MichaelaH2059]

I love the talent at the Tiny Desk Concerts. So much passion for the music.

[@vintagethings9187]

Just feel the joy and love of their music rolling off of these guys. Makes me very happy.

[@donnafletcher1562]

Love this man Robert Glasper is and has been one of my favourite musicians of time always listen no matter what’s out there go back to the time less beautiful 🙏🙏🙏

[@matthewboutte3280]

those bass chords at the end of Trust are unbelievable, so beautiful!

[@that1personMan]

What a beautiful group, I love the way Glasper plays piano

[@Chameleon7798]

So awesome! I listened to his 1st album "Mood" while I cooked dinner amd watched this clip while I ate it lol A excellent experience for me!! I'm a huge fan!

[@billyves1]

Back here again... there's something celestial, a tiny touch of heaven, something defenetely "above" here in what Rob Glasper and friends around give, life's pouring fresh water and feelings, it is always moving, sleek, beautiful, unique ;-). I LOVE THEM and I'm happy to say so. Thanks +++ Tiny Desk, don't change anything. Love from France to all.

[@Khairjunkie]

I wish I knew when stuff like this happens so I can attend. I love live real music and true vocalist!

[@robertglasper7691]

Hi fan.

[@genayechannel]

Can't stop watching 😩

[@TheJumpman706]

Keep watching

[@superbatfirenze]

my God....this music is melody that flies to the angels and comes back with the most inspirational sound ,that i heard in years....you people are awesome!

[@martinkent_]

Still watching in 2021!

[@RobertSmith-bm3to]

2024!

[@jedwards1211]

ah man, Colenburg's super-fast syncopations are killer!

[@rcaldwel]

Her voice pierces my soul. I need more of her

[@Fsdrak]

Everytime I hear them play, its getting better and better! Gotta love that band.

[@Jdilla76]

Simply heartfelt. It's almost more beautiful than the original version that I already loved...

[@pietroeliabarcellona]

10:36 Sickest bass line

[@stephendelacruzone]

Dope Jazz R&B Fusion! My soul feels good & alive after listenin' to this! :D

[@WashingtonJohnson]

l am a total fan of Robert Glasper and the way he views music. Some people think that he is jazz, whatever that is. l think Robert and band mates have the same view on expression of music. l really don't labels. Though people seem to need them for some kind personal identity. l just identify it's great MUSIC !

[@jryuwah]

I mean I get where you're going at! I don't mind a label for the sake of putting new listeners on to different stuff. I mean he IS jazz at heart, just listen to those piano phrasings lol. but the beautiful thing is he and the band are much more than ONE thing! that's what I love. I don't really mind labels as long they aren't used in a way that pigeon holes the artists. lol

[@WashingtonJohnson]

As black guitarist more than 40 years, l had had people many times ask me what kind of music do l play. "do you play the blues" is a pretty standard question. Usually viewed in the colour of my skin. l started out playing folk guitar in a Catholic church with my friend who taught me how to play. l played folk mass in a Catholic church for two years. And during the 70s we played all kinds of music besides the Catholic folk hymns. Bob Dylan, Donavan, Pete Seeger, Joni Mitchell. And the list goes on. Later on l joined a folk rock bands with some high school friends and we use to open for a rock band fronted by another friend. our manager was a police officer. lt has only been later in life that l learned how to read music and got more into learning jazz. l get the label for people. Robert Glasper has so much said how he feels about the label of "jazz'. And now a days when jazz artist are playing Allman Brothers and Jerry Cantrell, tunes and the like. They are creating new standards of " jazz". What ever that is. There is so much music out there to hear and play. l know for the average person music is just a soundtrack of life. But for those of us who play it, lt is more than that. But you know that already. PS, l am not Catholic by the way. Just wanted to sing and play guitar.

[@girlmusician24]

Amen to that brotha!

[@SuperSoulRanger]

I'm so in love with Marsha. She sounds beautiful as usual. Thanks for blessing the keys again Robert Glasper. You never disappoint.

[@robpdb]

Best NPR concert!

[@alexguerra1668]

Listening right now n just love that I get such a warm 90s vibe 🥰 like back when Borders was a thing 📚 🎶

[@ardityabaniparwitraabdurac8146]

why do i feel like flyin, floating and relax whenever i heard Robert Glasper playing?. he playz amazing!

[@louisejones6239]

I really appreciate how Marsha Ambrosia can slip in And out of notes. It keeps me toned in.

[@beamzappa6266]

Man, that drummer is excellent!

[@MrAfrotastic11]

The sexiest glissando in history at 3:08....pentatonic goodness.

[@asr5326]

Crazy I've listened to this 100s of times and never paid close attention to that part now I'm 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@louisd8407]

a pentatonic glissando that's in key

[@jonasgluck2569]

@@louisd8407 in Eb

[@christopherautry4031]

I absolutely love this particular tiny desk with Miss Ambrose just to show you that jazz has come a long way and it's amazing

[@kensg]

ROBERT ..YOUR MUSIC IS TIMELESS, HER VOICE IS BEAUTIFUL..WOW!

[@JorizBeats]

the end of the jam is beautiful

[@figski]

Blessed to have found this here. The "Desk Jam" is a primer on how Jazz is made, how it "jes grew." Ole!

[@ermite9370]

The magic of knowing where to play With the right dynamics and the talent and musicality that it takes ❤

[@MrDsmittyville]

Robert Glasper is the best at his craft!!! I love his music!!!!

[@bluefoxpatton]

These guys are not of this world...Thank God ...they are too incredible!!!

[@Nasute]

Derrick Hodge @ 6:33 with the chords! Yes Lawd!

[@huleczku]

One of my Tiny Desk favourites, best even, yeah top! Love you guys.

[@manoelbueno9997]

19:09 Man, this song is AWESOME!!! The piano begins you already go nuts in the vibe. Thanks for such talent presented to us Robert Glasper!