— Five-time Grammy award-winning pianist and composer Robert Glasper releases his celebrated first holiday album, In December, across all major streaming platforms, on festive gold and red vinyl, and on CD.
Featuring an esteemed roster of frequent collaborators — PJ Morton, Sevyn Streeter, Cynthia Ervo, Tarriona Tank Ball, Alex Isley, Andra Day, Doobie Powell, and The Baylor Project — the eight-track project, initially released as an Apple Music exclusive, is an evocative and moving addition to Glasper’s critically lauded catalog. The wide release of In December is accompanied by an additional track, a swanky rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” featuring acclaimed gospel artist Doobie Powell.
In December finds 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.”
Arriving as a bookend to another monumental year for Glasper, In December precedes the November 3rd closing of the 6th year of the exceptional artist’s world renowned Robtober residency at Blue Note in NYC, featuring special guest performances by Raye, Questlove, Common, Andra Day, Marsha Ambrosius, Doobie Powell, Little Brother, Chris Dave, Derrick Hodge, DJ Jahi Sundance, Stokley, and more.
Glasper also recently released his third project of 2024, the Apple Music exclusive Keys to the City: Volume 1. A monumental testament to the magic of collaboration and improvisation, the album finds Glasper in his element featuring live recordings from his annual residency, providing listeners with a glimpse of the magic that audiences have come to cherish over the last six years. In October, Robert Glasper launched his new Apple Music radio show, “In My Element,” on Apple Music’s global live-streaming radio station, giving fans an opportunity to explore the inner workings of the acclaimed pianist and composer.
Earlier this year, Robert released two more Apple Music exclusive projects. In June, he shared Let Go, a serene 13-track listening experience that emerged from fans sharing their different uses for his music. In August, he followed up with Code Derivation, a sonic experimentation splitting the difference between jazz and hip-hop, and emphasizing their shared genetics. Code Derivation is largely composed of two versions of the same track, one played live in studio by Glasper’s band and a version “flipped” by a producer of his choosing. Over the summer, Glasper joined Blue Note Entertainment Group and Black Radio Productions as Artist in Residence at The Black Radio Experience at The Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa Valley, CA. Inspired by Glasper’s annual Robtober residency at the Blue Note in NYC, The Black Radio Experience was an immersive journey into the soul of music, transcending boundaries and celebrating the rich tapestry of Black culture. Headliners across the 3 day weekend event included John Legend, Jill Scott and Andre 3000, and performances by Andra Day, Common, Nile Rodgers, Ledisi, Terrace Martin and more including daily performances from Glasper himself.