Derrick Hodge and R+R=NOW Release Thrilling Live Album
R+R=NOW has followed up their 2018 debut, Collagically Speaking, with a new live album that captures the group’s wealth of talent during a show at The Blue Note that same year. If you missed their debut, it’s worth noting that the group features a monster lineup with Robert Glasper on keys, Terrace Martin on synthesizer, vocoder, and alto saxophone, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah on trumpet, Taylor McFerrin on synthesizer, Justin Tyson on drums, and Derrick Hodge on bass.
Though this concert was only a few months after their initial album release, it’s clear they were already growing the concepts in each track. They play through Collagically Speaking’s standout tracks with an unreal 25-minute version of “Resting Warrior” to wrap things up. The band also gives their own take on the Kendrick Lamar track “How Much A Dollar Cost”.
Hodge’s bass playing is a focal point throughout the set, even kicking off the first song with spacey arpeggios to set the tone. His dynamic range is on full display, alternating between hushed melodies and enormous bass lines to help develop the songs.
Hear him open up on the syrupy ballad “Been On My Mind”:
R+R=NOW Live is available now on CD, vinyl and as a digital download (iTunes and Amazon MP3).
R+R=NOW Live Track List:
- Respond
- Been On My Mind
- How Much A Dollar Cost
- Change of Tone
- Perspectives/Postpartum
- Needed You Still (feat. Omari Hardwick)
- Resting Warrior
