Live
Blue Note, 2021
10/10
The all star line up of Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Derrick Hodge, Taylor McFerrin and Justin Tyson, known collectively as R+R=Now, impressed everyone with their debut album, Collagically Speaking, and here we’re treated to several tracks from that album plus a Kendrick Lamar cover, where the band take the liberty of a live setting to really expand their vision.
The set leads with “Respond”, where a calm atmosphere builds alongside marching band style drumming from Tyson and Martin’s soulful brass as the elegant and playful setting pushes and pulls with beauty and tension, and “Been On My Mind” follows with warm piano from Glasper guiding a dreamy display of processed vocals and sublime grooves.
In the middle, “Change Of Tone” gets busier with equal parts dance friendly percussion, McFerrin’s strong synth and mature keys in 9 minutes of exploration, while “Perspectives/Postpartum” flirts with jazz, soul, pop and R&B in their inimitable and timeless formula.
The final track, “Resting Warrior”, spends 25 minutes amazing us with Hodge’s bouncy bass lines, glorious horns, and frisky percussion that often resembles a controlled chaos approach of fusion, jam band and incredible chemistry that’s both dizzying and perplexing in its meticulousness.
The R’s in the band’s name stand for ‘Reflect’ and ‘Respond’, which has never been more important than now, and the exceptional approach to songwriting and improvising present is unparalleled. Live records rarely sound this good and resonate at this level.
Travels well with: Kendrick Scott Oracle- A Wall Becomes A Bridge; Marcus Strickland Twi-Life- People Of The Sun