“Mood” is Robert Glasper’s debut album, recorded on May 17 and 20, 2002, at Systems Two Recording Studio, New York City, and released on Fresh Sound New Talent Vinyl as a double 180-gram audiophile LP in gatefold format (FSNT-153). This remastered edition, produced by David Weiss, with engineering by Joe Marciano, emphasizes the piano’s airy quality. The lineup features Robert Glasper (piano), Bob Hurst (bass), Damion Reid (drums), and guests: Bilal (vocals), Mike Moreno (guitar), John Ellis, and Marcus Strickland (tenor saxophone). The album includes nine tracks, featuring Glasper’s originals (Mood, Lil Tipsy, In Passing), alongside covers of Herbie Hancock’s Maiden Voyage, Irving Berlin’s Blue Skies, and Dietz-Schwartz’s Alone Together. The music is post-bop with hip-hop influences, with Glasper’s piano harmonic and inventive. The vinyl, a limited edition, is prized for its clear sound, capturing the spirit of the early 2000s New York scene. “Mood” is a powerful debut, showcasing Glasper’s talent.
Robert Glasper (born April 6, 1978) is an American pianist, composer, and producer, a pivotal figure in contemporary jazz and its crossover with hip-hop and R&B. Born in Houston, Texas, he began playing piano under the influence of his mother, a gospel pianist. Studying at The New School in New York, Glasper joined the jazz scene, collaborating with Christian McBride, Kenny Garrett, and Bilal. His style blends jazz’s harmonic complexity with hip-hop rhythms, establishing him as an innovator. Glasper recorded numerous albums, including his debut Mood on Fresh Sound New Talent, which introduced him as a promising leader. He later won Grammy Awards for his work with the Robert Glasper Experiment, continuing to push jazz boundaries through projects with Erykah Badu and Kendrick Lamar.
TRACKLIST
Side A
1. Maiden Voyage [Feat. Bilal] (Herbie Hancock) 5:11
2. Mood [Feat. Mike Moreno, John Ellis] (Robert Glasper) 9:49
Side B
1. Lil Tipsy (Robert Glasper) 9:21
2. Alone Together (Dietz-Schwartz) 10:08
Side C
1. Don’t Close Your Eyes [Feat. Bilal] (Robert Glasper) 5:11
2. Blue Skies (Irving Berlin) 9:28
Side D
1. Interlude (Robert Glasper) 2:15
2. In Passing (Robert Glasper) 8:34
3. L.N.K. Blues [Feat. John Ellis, Marchus Strickland] (Robert Glasper) 7:46
Personnel:
Robert Glasper (piano), Bob Hurst (bass), Damion Reid (drums).
Featuring: Bilal (vocals on Side A #1, Side C #1), Mike Moreno (guitar on Side A #2), John Ellis (tenor sax on Side A #2, Side D #3 1st solo), Marcus Strickland (tenor sax on Side D #3 2nd solo).
Recorded at Systems Two Recording Studio, New York City, May 17 & 20, 2002
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