Let It Ride

A collaboration between two leading artists on the American music scene, this song from Robert Glasper’s sixth studio album “Black Radio 2” is a real treat for the ears. Glasper has built his reputation as one of the best and most creative modern R&B musicians, composers and producers, and his decision to call upon Norah Jones and ask her to sing this beautiful tune was simply a right move. But it’s not only Glasper’s and Jones’ talents that make this song so beautiful. The Robert Glasper Experiment is a band that “kills” as a unit, superbly presenting Glasper’s music, a unique mix of jazz, soul, and R&B. On the eclectic nature of his music, Glasper said: “My people have given the world so many styles of music. So why should I just confine myself to one? We want to explore them all.” On this particular track, it’s the name of Mark Colenburg that stands out. He is the drummer, with a fierce but precise technique, that plays breakbeats and drum & bass patterns as if they come out of a computer. Even better, I would say, because he is a human after all, and that live dynamics that a drummer could give to the rhythm is just impossible to get out of a machine. Absolutely wonderful!

“Let it Ride” is a track that will put you in a relaxation mode. With a mellow piano groove, fast-paced drumming and a pleasant soundscape, the song is perfect for cruising in your car. I strongly recommend you also listen to the whole “Black Radio 2” record, which was released on October 29, 2013, by Blue Note Records. It is the follow-up to the Grammy Award winner “Black Radio” released in 2012, and it lived up to the expectations of the audience and the critics. A record that will surely become a classic with time.