Black Radio is “contemporary jazz.” We immediately hear the voice-overs, the spacey Rhoades keys, ghostly reverbs, slick modern snare groove. The compositions on this album take a circuitous route to make their point; Glasper doesn’t rush, and trusts you will sink into the pocket he is sharing. 

You could argue Black Radio isn’t jazz. However,  that’s besides the point. Glasper isn’t recreating the genre as much as showing what its present state is.

In this regard, Glasper’s chords are used sparingly and deliberately, letting the other voices shine; Belial bends his tone on “Letter to Hermione,” a fragmented, precious, soft voice heard from the other side of a fogged window. 

The title track, Black Radio is a pulsating reminder to the rebellious and cheeky exchange that is jazz music; Glapser’s trio subtly fire shots at each other, and reconcile their ideas over the course of the tune. In this track, hip-hop’s footprints are more evident than ever: Dilla’s lopsided swing, neo-soul’s hush, the patience of a producer that values silence.  

Black Radio is a museum; it’s a hushed reminder of times past, whilst looking through eyes of the present.