The Robert Glasper Trio Has Got It Covered When It Comes To Jhene Aiko (Video)

Grammy Award-winning Jazz pianist and composer Robert Glasper has a long history of blending his own musical stylings with Hip-Hop, and his latest release embodies his appreciation for both. Covered: The Robert Glasper Trio Recorded Live at Capitol Studios features renditions of Jhené Aiko, Bilal, Kendrick Lamar, John Legend, Musiq Souldchild, and more while also including Jazz standards like “Stella By Starlight.” Released by Blue Note Records, the new album serves as a prelude to Glasper’s upcoming tour, which begins today (June 17) at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles.

His first release since 2013’s Black Radio 2 (itself the follow-up to the Grammy-winning Black Radio), the album features his all-acoustic trio comprised of bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Damion Reid, both of whom can be heard on Glasper’s first two Blue Note releases, Canvas (2005) and In My Element (2007). The three virtuosos get down on songs Heads will know and love, but also cover songs that are perhaps less expected, including tracks by Joni Mitchell and Radiohead in addition to a collaboration with the legendary Harry Belafonte. The album is available for purchase on iTunes, but for a taste, check out their version of Aiko’s “The Worst,” right here. You can also see a full list of tour dates below.

Robert Glasper North American Tour Dates: 
June 17 – El Rey Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
June 19-20 SFJAZZ – San Francisco, CA
June 23 – Jane Mallett Theatre – Toronto, ONT
June 24 – 27 Blue Note Jazz Club – New York, NY
June 28 – Montreal Jazz Festival – Montreal, QB
July 5 – Essence Festival – New Orleans, LA
August 15 – Chastain Park Amphitheatre – Atlanta, GA