Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

29th Annual San Francisco Jazz Festival
Robert Glasper Trio

Gracefully navigating the zone where jazz and hip hop converge, pianist Robert Glasper is a savvy improviser well-versed in, but not constrained by, jazz tradition. His assertive keyboard work has attracted many of the era’s definitive R&B and hip hop artists, including Mos Def, Kanye West, Erykah Badu and many others. He’s been equally productive in the jazz context, accompanying modern masters such as Roy Hargrove, Kenny Garrett and Terence Blanchard. Glasper’s first two acclaimed Blue Note releases featured his omnivorous trio and distinctive original compositions, and 2009’s ambitious Double Booked ended up on the Top 10 list of many jazz critics, further cementing Glasper’s reputation. For his return to SFJAZZ, the iconoclastic pianist brings a fresh version of his lauded trio, including monster bassist Derrick Hodge and the phenomenal drummer Mark Colenburg.

Photo courtesy of the artist