Robert Glasper was especially prolific in 2024. He released an incredible four projects this year in association with Apple Music, blessing us with the albums Let Go, the GRAMMY-nominated Code Derivation and Keys To The City Volume One and his Apple Music Sessions EP. As the year draws to a close, the prodigious talent keeps his musical gifts coming with a visual for the Andra Day-featuring song “December” from his Christmas album In December.
Glasper’s In December originally debuted in late 2023 as another Apple Music exclusive. The Christmas collection of holiday standards and original cuts has now been released to all platforms and on vinyl and CD. To celebrate its wide release, Robert revisits the project that, in addition to Day, features collaborations with Cynthia Erivo, PJ Morton, Sevyn Streeter, Tarriona “Tank” Ball, Alex Isley, The Baylor Project and Doobie Powell.
“December” is one of the aforementioned originals on the album. Andra is a jilted lover with seasonal depression after her man left her, and without him, December isn’t what it used to be. “Under the mistletoe, it’s just different when I’m all alone / And I miss you when it starts to snow,” she sings on the first verse to the one who ripped her heart to shreds like wrapping torn off a gift. Though she’s singing the blues, Day’s delivery is a soulful bow atop gorgeous instrumentation from Glasper on piano, Ben Williams on bass and Justin Tyson on drums.
Those human elements come together in the “December” live performance video. Recorded in a dark room illuminated by warm lighting and candlelight, Andra is positioned at the microphone with the musicians surrounding her. A striking beauty and accomplished actress, she plays to the camera with longing gazes and seductive glances. Rob also gets in on the action with some steely stares before ending the clip in a fit of laughter alongside Andra.
In case you missed Robert Glasper’s In December last Christmas, this is a fine time to add it to your holiday music rotation. Listen to the album below or on your choice of digital music services after viewing the “December” video right here.
