Summary
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
Norah Jones and Robert Glasper reunite in the studio after meeting as teenagers at a Texas jazz summer camp in the 1990s. They share memories of their shared roots in jazz education, parallel high school experiences, and how mentors like Q-Topic and Roy Hargrove shaped their musical journeys. Throughout the episode, they perform stripped-down versions of songs like Radiohead's "Reckoner," "Life Is Better," "Sunrise," and "Let It Ride," while swapping stories about the music industry, church gigs, and recording sessions.
- Jazz training provides the foundational technique needed to master any musical genre. 1:10:17
- True gifts are the things you can execute with minimal effort compared to hobbies. 1:02:29
- Playing multiple church services weekly offers invaluable practical experience and financial stability for young musicians. 14:50
Chapters
- 0:00Podcast Intro and Host Greeting
The episode opens with the host introducing herself and the special guest, Robert Glasper, setting the stage for a musical conversation.
- 1:07Robert Glasper’s Recent Projects
The host highlights Glasper’s latest albums, collaborations, and his upcoming residency at New York’s Blue Note.
- 2:08Host and Co‑Host Reunion
The hosts reminisce about their recent trip to Los Angeles, sharing memories of dinner and the excitement of recording together.
- 3:36Meeting Robert Glasper at Jazz Camp
The hosts discuss how they first met Glasper during a jazz camp in Denton, Texas, and how that early encounter shaped their friendship.
- 6:00Collaborations and Live Performances
The conversation covers Glasper’s work with Q‑Tip, Bilal, and other artists, including anecdotes from Grammy moments and touring experiences.
- 8:00Influences from the Neo‑Soul Movement
Glasper reflects on how the neo‑soul scene, especially figures like Bilal and the Roots, influenced his musical direction and collaborations.
- 9:00Future Aspirations and Collaborations
The hosts discuss Glasper’s future projects, his desire to work with more artists, and the ongoing evolution of his sound.
- 13:17Church Roots and Early Influences
Glasper shares how playing in church during his youth helped develop his musical skills and shaped his approach to performance.
- 18:19Behind the Scenes of Recording Sessions
Glasper explains the creative process behind his live‑style recordings, such as the Capitol Building sessions and the challenges of capturing a live feel in the studio.
- 51:23Celebrating Robert Glasper’s Live Performance
The hosts reflect on Glasper’s energetic, soulful playing and the emotional impact of his music.
- 52:06Influences and Songwriting Inspiration
Discussion of how Glasper’s early recordings inspired the host’s own songwriting and the creation of new tracks.
- 53:20Acknowledging Mentors and Musical Family
Hosts list the people and institutions that shaped their careers, from high school programs to influential musicians.
- 1:00:00The Role of Education and Early Choices
They talk about choosing between sports and music, the importance of recognizing one’s gifts, and how family support matters.
Highlights
- 5:44
Meeting at Jazz Campstory
Norah Jones and Robert Glasper recall first meeting as 15-year-olds at a summer jazz camp in Denton, Texas.
- 11:18
Roy Hargrove's Influenceinsight
Robert Glasper explains how seeing Roy Hargrove's young jazz band dressed in jeans and sneakers inspired him to realize jazz could be accessible.
- 12:45
Glasper recounts how his mother walked right up to the stage during his first world tour performance with Roy Hargrove to demand a solo for her son.
- 30:32
Glasper shares how he started playing the chords that became "Life Is Better" during a session for Q-Tip, who immediately suggested having Norah Jones sing on it.
- 1:00:51
Switching from Basketball to Pianostory
Glasper describes how sitting on the bench for his high school basketball team pushed him to focus on the piano instead.
- 1:10:17
Mastering Your Instrumentinsight
Glasper argues that jazz and classical music are the only genres where you must completely master your instrument just to play mediocredly.
- 1:13:54
The Origin of "I Can't Make You Love Me"story
Glasper shares the bizarre origin story of the classic song, written after a football player watched a criminal on a TV show say the iconic line.
Quotes
“This episode felt like a high school reunion in a bottle, you know?”
Unnamed speaker · 4:26 “He's so like, he's like, yeah, I know this song, I'm playing it.”
Unnamed speaker · 51:28 “Where you came from, just, it could be one song from one person that meant so much that is a part of your life and part of your whole thing.”
Unnamed speaker · 53:06 “Knowing what you're really good at, and what you suck at early, and being a realist.”
Unnamed speaker · 1:01:29 “Other than classical. Classical and jazz are the only genres where you pretty much have to master your instrument just to play it in a mediocre way.”
Unnamed speaker · 1:10:29 “And that'll be my first time playing with Blade.”
Unnamed speaker · 1:37:12 “Sometimes his shows are like that, where he's featuring all these people and the groove.”
Unnamed speaker · 1:40:36
Sponsored segments
- Granger 0:04–0:33
- BlueNoteJazz.com 1:36–1:53
- Before the Moment 16:17–17:16
- Toyota 17:16–17:56
- OnDeck 17:49–18:16
- Toyota 34:22–34:51
- OnDeck 34:51–35:16
- Before the Moment 53:47–54:40
- Toyota 54:45–55:16
- OnDeck 55:16–55:42
- Before the Moment 1:07:10–1:08:04
- Stugatz 1:08:05–1:08:43
- Before the Moment 1:26:34–1:27:25
- Lunchbox 1:27:29–1:28:06
- Mario Lopez 1:42:50–1:43:26
- Before the Moment 1:43:27–1:44:01
- Chase 1:44:04–1:44:38
About this episode
A fellow piano player, songwriter and Texan, this episode with Robert Glasper was meant to be!
Transcript
16,754 words · 7 speakers
Topics
- Blue Note
- Denton
- The Roots
- Interlochen
- Lincoln
- Chic
- iHeartRadio
- iHeart Podcast
- University of North Texas
- Radio City Music Hall
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