Name: Robert Glasper
Occupation: Jazz pianist
Why is coming back to perform in Houston so inspiring?
My mother was my first real inspiration. She was a singer around Houston. You could catch her performing country on one night, Broadway and jazz the next night and on Sundays she was the music director at church. My mom held rehearsal at the house, so there was always music being played in our household. Because of my memories, I am inspired to come home and put on a great show.
Tell us about Back Pew Sessions?
I was asked to perform at the St. John’s Downtown Methodist Church “Back Pew Sessions” concert that will take place on Saturday, April 25. The Back Pew Sessions allow contemporary artists and musicians to showcase their talents in a Christian setting without judgment. It’s away to blend both cultures without being to explicit for the church but still being able to express yourself as an artist. All proceeds from the Back Pew concert series will go to the St. John’s Downtown “Bread of Life” organization whose mission for the past 22 years has been to eradicate homelessness and hunger in Houston. It feels great to come back home and see all of my friends and mentors. This is my first time performing for the Back Pew events and it’s ironic because I went to high school with my cousin, LeToya Luckett, and Beyoncé of Destiny’s Child. I hear that this is Beyoncés home church so it’s cool that they asked us to come out. The last time that I was in Houston I was on tour with Ledisi so this will be my first time performing my own show in my hometown so it’s a momentous occasion.
What’s next?
I just finished scoring the music for the Miles Davis movie starring and directed by Don Cheadle. As of right now I am producing the tribute to Nina Simone album and also producing a Miles Davis remix album along with my album, Covered. Following those releases we will perform at Essence Festival then go off to Europe for the July summer tour.
For more information, please visit: https://secondsonproductions.com/RobertGlasperassets/ https://www.robertglasper.com/
