Derrick Hodge delivers a live stream of his debut solo LP Live Today via NPR's First Listen to celebrate the album's release on Blue Note Records today. The project driven by the fluidity of Hodge's intricately woven electric bass performance is full of spontaneity and organic reaction thanks to his blueprint for the LP, which dictated that the songs be written à la minute for each musician and recorded in one or two takes. The project features appearances from James Poyser, Common, Marcus Strickland, Aaron Parks, Keyon Harrold, Travis Sayles and the American String Quartet. Hodge's bandmates from the Robert Glasper Experiment - Chris Dave in particular - are also featured prominently in the recording. The 14-track LP is a firm step into the spotlight for the man who acts as the unassuming linchpin of Robert Glasper and Maxwell's bands; his current touring work is an evolutionary extension of his beginnings on the road with Jill Scott after the release of her first LP. Hodge counts Scott amongst DJ Jazzy Jeff, Tye Tribbett and Mulgrew Miller as career influences. Derrick Hodge discussed his hopes for the LP with Blue Note prior to its release:
“I wanted to be honest and transparent to all of the people who were supporting me and wishing me well,” Hodge says, “I wanted this album to give them real snapshots of how I felt as an artist at a given moment on a given day. Let them be a part of my journey.”
The album written in the moment is emphatically of the moment; Derrick Hodge applies his abundant talent to a very personal project that is spiritually driven and sincerely crafted from musical exchange that is beholden to the shed much more than the minutiae of label politics or passing trends. Derrick Hodge is presenting his first addition to the latest wave of timeless sound with a staggeringly good release that speaks volumes about his talent and potential. Live Today moves as the wind blows and encourages the listener to be fearless enough to do the same. Check the Live Today EPK below. Scroll down for the full LP stream. Purchase Live Today via iTunes.
>>>Listen to the full stream of Derrick Hodge's debut LP Live Today via NPR
