By the time he reached adolescence, Robert knew his destiny was to be a jazz musician. He was accepted to the Houston's famed High School for the Performing Arts ("Jason Moran went there before me."). Post-graduation, Glasper enrolled at New School University in Manhattan. Soon after arrival, he hooked up with future bandmember Reid and vocalist Bilal, an old schoolmate. As an undergrad, Glasper gigged with Christian McBride, Russell Malone and Kenny Garrett. Professional life after the New School was even sweeter: stints with Nicholas Payton, Roy Hargrove, Terence Blanchard, Carmen Lundy, and Carly Simon.
The Bilal connection brought the pianist back to hip-hop. Glasper's contributions to Bilal's debut and subsequent tour brought him to the attention of Q-Tip (A Tribe Called Quest). "Tip would come hang out at my shows, and one day he called me and said, ‘I'm doing this tour and I need you to play keys. Can you do it?’” He's also since played with Mos Def, and is featured prominently on Bilal's forthcoming sophomore release.
In 2003, Glasper's first album Mood was released on indie label Fresh Sound New Talent, and two years later, Blue Note came calling. At Blue Note, Glasper joins a jazz piano legacy that stretches back to 1939, beginning with Albert Ammons and Meade Lux Lewis, and continuing through Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea, Andrew Hill, Cecil Taylor, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Jacky Terrasson, Jason Moran and Bill Charlap. Undaunted, Glasper reflects, “I’m just happy to be a part of the Blue Note family and its rich history.”
-- From Glasper's Official Website
Tribute
Robert Glasper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kim so we can notice the Kims kind of
Contrast of not being quite
Being able to pair
Who else but Kim can bring gospel, jazz
Cowboys everybody it becomes
Eclectic by design wow
Every now and then God puts
Unpredictable we can't figure out energy that
We know not of a smile
In the midst of her pain
Who has resolve i can sing
The Lord's song in a strange land and by now
She's rearranging the angels in the choir
Get them ready! For praise alpha 60
Omega 2004, dash! And now we come today
But neither of these dates are
What brings us here
Today it's the dash in between the two
Oh! Not that she was born, not that
She died but because of the dash, she
Lived! I mean, she lived! I mean, her
Dash is vibrant! It's not broken, it's full!
In Robert Glasper's song "Tribute," the lyrics reflect on the life and impact of someone named Kim. The song highlights the contrast between the majority of people who are not like Kim and her unique qualities. The lyrics suggest that Kim brings together elements of gospel, jazz, and even cowboys, creating an eclectic mix of influences. This diversity and unpredictability make her stand out from others, and her energy is described as something that cannot be fully understood. Despite experiencing pain, Kim is depicted as someone with a strong resolve and a smile, able to sing the Lord's song in a strange land.
The song then shifts its focus to the importance of the "dash" in between the dates of Kim's birth and death. The lyrics emphasize that it is not just the fact that she was born or died but the way she lived during that dash that truly matters. This dash is portrayed as vibrant and full, not broken. It represents the life Kim lived and the impact she made on the world.
Overall, "Tribute" conveys a message of celebrating the uniqueness of individuals like Kim, who bring different influences together and live their lives with resilience and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
Thanks be the God that most of us ain't like Kim
We are thankful to God that most of us are not like Kim, highlighting her unique qualities.
so we can notice the Kims kind of
It is important for us to pay attention to individuals like Kim and appreciate their distinctiveness.
Contrast of not being quite
Highlighting the difference between being ordinary and not quite fitting into societal norms.
Being able to pair
Having the capability to unite different genres or styles, like Kim does.
Who else but Kim can bring gospel, jazz
Emphasizing Kim's talent for blending gospel and jazz music together.
Cowboys everybody it becomes
Kim's music appeals to a diverse audience, including cowboys, showing the versatility of her style.
Eclectic by design wow
Kim intentionally creates an eclectic sound, which is impressive.
Every now and then God puts
From time to time, God brings forth individuals like Kim with unique talents.
Someone like Kim who's eclectic
Highlighting Kim's diversity and ability to be unpredictable.
Unpredictable we can't figure out energy that
Kim possesses an energy and spirit that is not easily understood.
We know not of a smile
Despite her pain, Kim still displays a radiant smile, which we may not fully comprehend.
In the midst of her pain
Acknowledging that Kim has experienced pain and struggles.
Who has resolve I can sing
Kim demonstrates great determination, capable of singing even in difficult circumstances.
The Lord's song in a strange land and by now
Kim's ability to sing the Lord's song, even in unfamiliar or challenging situations, is now recognized.
She's rearranging the angels in the choir
Metaphorically, Kim has the power to reshape and revitalize the traditional notions of music and spirituality.
Get them ready! For praise alpha 60
Preparing the heavenly beings for praise, awakening them to the unique sounds and messages that Kim shares.
Omega 2004, dash! And now we come today
Referring to momentous events in Kim's life (beginning and end) and the current gathering to honor her.
But neither of these dates are
Neither her birth nor her death dates are the main focus.
What brings us here
The reason for our gathering is something more significant than the specific dates of Kim's life.
Today it's the dash in between the two
The emphasis is on the dash that represents the entirety of Kim's life, which we celebrate today.
Oh! Not that she was born, not that
The significance lies not in her birth nor her death,
She died but because of the dash, she
but in the vibrant life represented by the dash,
Lived! I mean, she lived! I mean, her
which was filled with vitality and purpose.
Dash is vibrant! It's not broken, it's full!
The dash symbolizes a dynamic and complete life, not one that is fractured or incomplete.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ronald
on Everybody Loves the Sunshine (feat. José James)
who is the xylophonist playing with Robert
Glasper on Everybody loves the sunshine?