(March 28, 2020) First things first. It’s great to see trombonist Jeff Bradshaw back out here healthy and adding that touch of jazz to the R&B and hip-hop stew. He has returned in good form with a cover a the OutKast tune “Prototype,” a track that continues to work itself into discussion as among the cuts that are a part of the 21st Century R&B musical canon. It is the first single from Bradshaw's upcoming album, Stronger.
For this cover, Bradshaw recruited pianist Robert Glasper and the neo-soul hippy Raheem DeVaughn, two artists who also know their way around cuts that merge R&B and jazz with nods toward hip hop. Bradshaw has worked with both of these prolific artists on previous projects: Glasper played piano on Bradshaw’s 2015 live album Home. DeVaughn appeared on the trombonist’s 2012 album Bone Appetit 1.
(March 28, 2020) First things first. It’s great to see trombonist Jeff Bradshaw back out here healthy and adding that touch of jazz to the R&B and hip-hop stew. He has returned in good form with a cover a the OutKast tune “Prototype,” a track that continues to work itself into discussion as among the cuts that are a part of the 21st Century R&B musical canon. It is the first single from Bradshaw's upcoming album, Stronger.
For this cover, Bradshaw recruited pianist Robert Glasper and the neo-soul hippy Raheem DeVaughn, two artists who also know their way around cuts that merge R&B and jazz with nods toward hip hop. Bradshaw has worked with both of these prolific artists on previous projects: Glasper played piano on Bradshaw’s 2015 live album Home. DeVaughn appeared on the trombonist’s 2012 album Bone Appetit 1.
This atmospheric track shows that DeVaughn, Bradshaw and Glasper also know their way around a ballad. Glasper applies a light touch to his piano playing and Bradshaw drops in flourishes of brass throughout the track. Both provide a foundation and ample space for DeVaughn’s vocal stylings that take the listener on a romantic ride that ranges from baritone to falsetto. Check out “Prototype” here.
By Howard Dukes
Jeff Bradshaw feat. Raheem
DeVaughn and Robert Glasper
"Prototype"