Canvas

Released in 2005, Canvas marks Robert Glasper's transition to Blue Note Records and serves as a pivotal document in 21st-century jazz. While Glasper's later work with the Experiment would lean heavily into R&B and hip-hop production, Canvas is a masterclass in modern post-bop. The album features a core trio of Glasper, Vicente Archer, and Damion Reid, with guest appearances by Mark Turner and Bilal. Critics noted Glasper's 'light, dancing touch' and his ability to synthesize the influences of Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, and Keith Jarrett into something uniquely his own. The track 'Riot' is a notable cover of the Herbie Hancock classic, signaling Glasper's lineage. The album was widely praised for its balance of 'energy, momentum, and melody,' establishing Glasper as a rising star who could satisfy traditional jazz purists while hinting at the genre-blurring revolution he would eventually lead.