Tag: Robert Glasper

Dinner Party – “Whatchu Bringing?” review

Dinner Party is a neo-soul/jazz rap supergroup consisting of Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin & 9th Wonder. All 4 of whom are acclaimed producers in their own rights, dropping their eponymous full-length debut in the summer of 2020 through EMPIRE Distribution when the COVID-19 pandemic was occurring & following it up nearly 3 years later with the neo-soul influenced sophomore effort Enigmatic Society to more lukewarm reception. Nonetheless, I still had anticipation for their 3rd studio LP considering the respect I already for its individual members.

“Stop Being Late” begins with a 2 & a half minute opener blending jazz as well as hip hop & spoken word whereas “If It Ain’t Broke (Love Wins)” by Phoelix turns up the soulfulness, singing about leaving perfectly functioning things alone unless they’re no longer working. “Stargazing” also by Phoelix finds himself thinking of the world’s current state fusing jazz & R&B together but once “Breakfast at Sharkey’s” takes a prominently compositional approach, “I Wonder” by Phoelix kicks off the 2nd half on some neo-soul vibes.

As for “Just My Type”, we have Phoelix over some predominantly finger snaps carrying over the themes of romance leading into “I’m Yours” by Phoelix smoothly assures his partner that he won’t leave her for any other woman. “Mutual Respect “ leans towards the jazzier side of things for a bright instrumental piece preceding the outro “Peace of Mind” properly sending off Whatchu Bringing?tastefully combining elements of jazz rap & boom bap.

For anyone who came away from Enigmatic Society enjoying it less than Dinner Party’s debut album, you’re probably gonna prefer Whatchu Bringing? like myself because I’d have to put their most playful statement right behind self-titled for my 2nd favorite entry in their discography so far. The primary neo-soul sound remains in tact, incorporating secondary influences of jazz fusion & instrumental hip hop for the course of a half hour.

Score: 3.5/5

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August Greene – Self-titled review

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August Greene is a newly formed supergroup consisting of Chicago, Illinois emcee Common as well as Detroit, Michigan producer Karriem Riggins & Houston, Texas jazz pianist Robert Glasper. The 3 have worked extensively on Common’s last album Black America Again in Late 2016, but now they are coming together for an official full-length album.

The opener “Meditation” talks about how the trio can’t fall over a mellow instrumental & the next song “Black Kennedy” is a vivid description of just that over a jazzy piano instrumental. The track “Let’s Go” gets spiritual over a soothing beat while the song “Practice” insightfully talks about life itself over a piano & punchy drums. The track “Fly Away” talks about relationships over a tribal beat while “Aya” is a soothing 4 minute instrumental with a piano & beautiful background vocals.

After the “Piano” interlude, we go into the track “No Apologies”. Here, Com gets conscious over a super funky beat. The song “The Time” sees Common reflecting on his entire career with an instrumental that has a soothing atmosphere to it while the penultimate track “Optimistic” with Brandy is a decent cover of the Sounds of Blackness song with the same name. The album closes with “Swisha Suite”, which is a relaxing 12 minute jam session.

While I wasn’t expecting this, it’s still a great album. The production from Karriem & Robert is just as jazzy & laidback as Black America Again & Common’s lyricism is as insightful as ever before. However, I wish there were about 3 more tracks on here if possible. I’d definitely love to hear a follow-up from them in the future

Score: 4/5