Robert Glasper -- Robert Hurst Trio at Smoke, NYC, 3-17-07

steve(thelil) · March-18th-2007, 09:41 AM

I had the distinct pleasure of hearing the great young pianist Robert Glasper last night at Smoke. Glasper was playing with the excellent Robert Hurst Trio, which also features Chris Dave on drums.

I went to hear the band because I had been impressed by recordings I've heard with Glasper on them and had read some great stuff about him. I was also looking forward to hearing semi-announced guest performer, guitarist Lionel Louke, Lionel didn't play during the set I attended.

I don't have the jazz writer chops to adequately describe what made Glasper's playing unique, but that was the word that kept coming to mind. Each piece performed by the band morphed from one vibe to another, but always naturally and organically.

The band, who clearly enjoyed playing with one another, reminded me somewhat of the Bad Plus in that while they were clearly playing together, nobody was merely "accompanying" another at any time. Drummer Dave was most noteworthy in this respect: his function was hardly ever primarily that of a timekeeper. At times I wondered if he was too busy and up front, but his tremendously creative and unusual chops made him fascinating even when he might have slightly distracted from the others. Robert Hurst, the leader and composer of most of the tunes played, was excellent, but his playing didn't make as much as impression as the others, if only because his playing was more conventional.

All in all, a great night. (Smoke now serves food, and from my 2 recent visits, it seems like they do it well). As noted, the highlight for me was Robert Glasper. His combination of creativity, versatility and chops makes him a player you should definitely check out.

Gary Sisco · March-18th-2007, 09:55 AM

I like his records a lot, too. Haven't had a chance to hear him live. Sorry to say that Damion Reid isn't in the drum seat anymore, though. He's another to watch for.

Mike Schwartz · March-18th-2007, 10:20 AM

Reid is on the new Glasper/Blue Note trio CD along with bassist Vicente Archer.

My initial impression is that it's a pretty stong effort.

Gary Sisco · March-18th-2007, 10:24 AM

Is that new this year or the one that came out in 2005?

Mike Schwartz · March-18th-2007, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Sisco

Is that new this year or the one that came out in 2005?

Brand spankin' new.....it's on the opening page of the BN website

Gary Sisco · March-18th-2007, 10:37 AM

Cool. I hadn't known about it.

steve(thelil) · March-18th-2007, 01:06 PM

The band I saw was the Robert Hurst trio, not Glasper's (which explains the different personnel other than Glasper).

Gary Sisco · March-18th-2007, 04:01 PM

Hurst is damned good. I like his playing.

ribot_for_president · March-21st-2007, 05:01 PM

Hurst was unreal last time I caught Glasper at the Jazz Standard. He was playing JDillah beats while Glasper made stage announcements. I gotta pick up Glasper's new one, he just keeps getting better and better, imo.

Chris Dave is pretty sweet, too. I saw him back in 97 playing with Kenny Garrett when they came to Copenhagen during my semester abroad.

Gary Sisco · April-1st-2007, 08:21 AM

Glasper's new one on BN is very good.

ribot_for_president · April-4th-2007, 01:39 PM

I'm liking so far, as well. The Everything's In its Right Place>Maiden Voyage combo was the highlight of one of his shows I caught back in early 05 or so @ Sweet Rhythms, nice to hear it on cd