Robert Glasper | In December Review

by Darnell Jackson

Robert Glasper’s release, In December, is a contemporary R&B that meets a little jazz, twisting what we think of as holiday music. The mix of covers and originals is more akin to a jazzy winter solstice soundtrack rather than a typical collection of festive standards. Released under Loma Vista Recordings, the eight tracks explore the contemplative side of the holidays, filtered through Glasper’s blend of contemporary jazz, R&B, and soulful elements. Glasper has enlisted a remarkable lineup of collaborators, including PJ Morton, Sevyn Streeter, Cynthia Erivo, Tarriona Tank Ball, Alex Isley, Andra Day, and The Baylor Project, each contributing to his distinctive sound palette.

With a career filled with Grammy and Emmy awards, groundbreaking work such as the iconic Black Radio series, and credits alongside artists ranging from Kendrick Lamar to Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper has continually challenged boundaries. Here, he turns his attention to a seasonal theme, attempting to steer the traditional holiday album in a different direction. The EP is far from the holly-jolly cheer we’re used to; instead, it dives into the underlying nuances of the season—loneliness, nostalgia, warmth, and even disillusionment. Glasper describes it well: “The intention for this album was less about Christmas songs and more about songs that feel good during the holidays.”

The EP begins with “Fireside,” a short intro track featuring the subtle crackling of a fireplace. This sets the atmosphere that runs throughout the album. Moving into the first medley, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Carol of the Bells,” we hear the hauntingly beautiful vocals of Cynthia Erivo. The neo-soul repetitive chord progression is hued with a minor-key color. Erivo’s voice floats like smoke, taking these well-worn songs into R&B territory with her vocal lines, gentle urgency, soulful twists, and bluesy turns.

“Make It Home,” featuring PJ Morton and Sevyn Streeter, steers us toward a smoother, more R&B-influenced sound. The interplay between Morton and Streeter is the main focus as the backing music provides the groove, but no surprises. Instead, the interaction and lyrics come to the fore as one can relate to the tension of trying to bridge the gap between distance and closeness during the holiday season. Morton’s gospel-infused vocals and Streeter’s silky delivery blend perfectly with Glasper’s keys and a beat that continually wraps around itself.

“December” features the powerhouse voice of Andra Day. The lyrics reflect solitude and introspection, a poignant reflection of the holiday season’s quieter moments. Day’s commanding vocals shine against Glasper’s piano loops and drummer Justin Tyson’s and bassist Ben Williams’ groove. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” featuring gospel artist Doobie Powell, is a standout. Powell’s voice, bolstered by Williams’s bubbling bass lines and Glasper’s contemporary gospel keys, breathes warmth into the song’s tender melody, making it less of a Christmas carol and groove that whispers to a loved one across a winter’s night, Merry Christmas.

One of Glasper’s strengths is his ability to fuse contemporary jazz, R&B, and soulful elements into a cohesive whole, and In December is no exception. His harmonic approach blends contemporary R&B progressions and distinct tonal language instead of the traditional progression. This gives this holiday project a different twist, embracing the comforting repetitiveness we often crave in holiday music. The Spatial Audio mix on the EP adds another dimension, drawing the listener into a more immersive sound experience—it’s as though the warmth of a fireside really does surround you as you listen.

However, there’s an interesting tension here: in many of Glasper’s works, spontaneity and variety are key elements. On In December, the chord progressions are looped and the groove very repetitive, almost to a fault. While this is undoubtedly part of Glasper’s intention—to create a comforting, steady seasonal vibe—it does mean that the adventurous flair of his other projects is somewhat subdued. For those who revel in Glasper’s more unpredictable moments, the EP will feel a little constrained, lacking the exhilarating risk-taking that has defined so much of his career.

There is a palpable sense of nostalgia running through In December. But it’s not the sugar-coated nostalgia of jingling bells and snowflakes—it’s a more nuanced sentimentality, one that acknowledges both the joy and the bittersweetness of the holidays. Tracks like “Memories with Mama,” featuring Tarriona Tank Ball, highlight the quiet, reflective side of the season—the memories of those no longer with us and the hope that we can still connect to the warmth of the past.

Glasper’s collaborators on this album are integral to its success. The voices of Cynthia Erivo, PJ Morton, Andra Day, and others bring both soul and gravitas to the project, creating a sense of community—of shared experience—that’s vital to the holidays. Glasper has always been an artist who thrives in collaborative environments, and here, he invites listeners to join a sonic gathering that’s intimate and heartfelt.

In December is not a typical holiday album as it is moody, reflective, and intentionally understated. While it may not deliver the exhilarating improvisational spirit that Glasper fans might hope for, it offers a different kind of beauty, one that lies in its warmth, sincerity, and the comfort of its steadiness.