On Thursday, November 7, modern jazzman Robert Glasper performed a much-anticipated concert at the newly renovated Civic Theatre, finally appearing in New Orleans for a headlining show. He and The Robert Glasper Experiment (RBX) played several cuts off the new album, Black Radio 2, as well as a few older favorites and some covers. Two hits of the evening were the band’s contemporary jazz interpretations of two of the famed, late Detroit hip-hop producer J. Dilla’s tracks. Both “The Light” (originally featuring rapper Common) and the soulquarian era classic, “Stakes is High,” from De La Soul’s seminal album garnered grand applause.

Easily navigating often undefined territory between improvisational jazz and R&B instrumentals, Glasper’s sound was nothing short of transformative. A humble but sexy stage set the tone for the reto-futuristic yet ethereal experience. Though it is difficult to tour an album that features A-list vocalists on literally every song without those singers, somehow saxophonist Casey Benjamin’s vocoder-filtered vocal stylings provided a healthy substitute. In fact, most left the theatre carrying a fond new acquaintance with Benjamin and his funky aesthetic. If the diverse audience in attendance Thursday night is any indication, Glasper should be welcome back in New Orleans anytime soon.

Keyboardist Robert Glasper of The Robert Glasper Experiment at the Civic Theatre on Thursday, November 7, 2013 (Photo: Jafar Pierre)

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