In December (Loma Vista)
Robert Glasper
Released in 2023
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kJ1NcXcEirgY-XeVTj8DoukwdvtLybzvw
Spotify:
About:
Featuring an esteemed roster of frequent collaborators—PJ Morton, Sevyn Streeter, Cynthia Ervo, Tarriona Tank Ball, Alex Isley, Andra Day, and The Baylor Project—the eight track project is an evocative and moving addition to Glasper’s critically lauded catalog. In December sees Glasper’s unique approach to contemporary R&B and jazz, encapsulated in his famed Black Radio series, applied to what is a sonically unique take on holiday music. This non-traditional holiday release brings a weight and musical funkiness to a genre and time of year that is often seeped in campy or classic holiday motifs. Speaking on “In December”, Robert Glasper says, “I’m excited to drop my first holiday record. I hope it brings as much joy as I had making it. Sip some eggnog and enjoy.”
Track Listing:
1. Fireside (Intro) 00:50
2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Traditional) / Carol Of The Bells (Mykola Leontovych / Peter Wilhousky) featuring Cynthia Erivo 05:02
3. Make It Home (Robert Glasper / Paul S. Morton Jr. / Amber Streeter) featuring PJ Morton and Sevyn Streeter 03:47
4. Memories With Mama (Robert Glasper / Tarriona Ball) ft. Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball 03:38
5. Joy To The World (Traditional) ft. Alex Isley 05:27
6. December (Robert Glasper / Andra Day / Aliyah Niambi) ft. Andra Day 04:57
7. Little Drummer Boy (Harry Simeone / Henry Onorati / Katherine Davis) ft. The Baylor Project 06:52
8. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Hugh Matin / Ralph Blane) ft. Dobbie Powell 06:41
Personnel:
Robert Glasper: piano
Justin Tyson: drums
Ben Williams: bass
PJ Morton, Sevyn Streeter, Cynthia Erivo, Tarriona Tank Ball, Alex Isley, Andra Day, The Baylor Project, Doobie Powell: vocals
Produced by Robert Glasper, except track 8, produced by Robert Glasper and Dobbie Powell
Recorded at Westlake Recording Studio, by QMillion, except track 3, recorded by Jaclyn Sanchez, and track 7, recorded by Andy Taub
Vocal Production by The Baylor Project
Mixed and Immersive Mix by QMillion
Mastered by Chris Athens
Photography & Cover Artwork by Jessie Lirola
Layout by Christopher Leckie
Review:
The keyboardist Robert Glasper is an expert in both abstruse jazz harmonies and sleek hip-hop grooves; he’s also a well-connected collaborator. He brings all those skills to Christmas songs on “In December,” a musicianly rumination on the season; it’s only available on Apple Music. Old carols get elaborate new chromatic convolutions and alternate melodies, while in their new songs, Glasper and his singers consider holiday tensions. In “Make It Home,” PJ Morton and Sevyn Streeter portray a couple wondering if they can possibly reconcile for Christmas; “December,” written by Glasper and Andra Day, cycles through a year of seasonal anxieties and longings. And in “Memories With Mama,” Tarriona Ball, who leads Tank and the Bangas, confides in deep-toned spoken words about how Christmas has changed since her childhood — she’s nostalgic, but realistic.
Jon Pareles (New York Times)
