Robert Glasper [garage]

Ever since his Grammy-winning 2012 breakout Black Radio – which reimagined tracks by Sade, David Bowie, and Nirvana with hip-hop and jazz instrumentation – Houston-born pianist Robert Glasper has reminded the world that all music stems from Black culture. He challenges another American staple with latest LP In December, a Christmas album that colors holiday classics with rolling beats and lengthy, minimalist improvisations. Always a ready collaborator, Glasper taps the Baylor Project, Doobie Powell, and even Elphaba herself, Cynthia Erivo, to lead covers of “Little Drummer Boy,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/Carol of the Bells,” and more. – Carys Anderson