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Taping recap: Robert Glasper

Robert Glasper and his band perform on Austin City Limits, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by Scott Newton.

Keyboardist Robert Glasper runs on parallel paths, one in which he’s one of the most celebrated jazz pianists of the last couple of decades, and the other in which he’s an award-winning R&B producer and bandleader. Combining his passions, his Black Radio series with the Robert Glasper Experiment racked up Grammys, and found the Houston native collaborating with singers and rappers from across the musical spectrum, from Lalah Hathaway and Yasiin Bey to H.E.R. and Meshell Ndegeocello. Supporting Black Radio III, Glasper and his three-piece band brought a trio of guest artists with them for his second appearance on the ACL stage, following his 2019 appearance as a member of August Greene. 

“Austin, what up?” Glasper announced when he took a place behind his instruments, his sunglasses reflecting his keyboards. “I used to watch this show when I was a kid, so it’s an honor to be here.” After introducing his bandmates – drummer Justin Tyson, bassist Burniss Travis, and DJ Jahi Sundance – the bandleader led the musicians into the atmospheric intro of “Find You,” an organic blend of R&B melodies, jazz harmonies, and shapeshifting polyrhythms from the Experiment album Artscience. “Your feelings cannot be trusted!” declared the samples from Sundance’s turntables. Neither could our ears, with Glasper dropping in verses from Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight,” Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” and Buddy Miles’ “Them Changes” over the groove. Glasper plucked another tune from Artscience with “No One Like You,” a lush meditation that gave the drummer some by putting the solo spotlight on Tyson before Glasper’s synthesizer solo got the tune’s pulse racing. Sundance flew in Erykah Badu’s vocal from “Afro Blue” as icing on the cake. 

“Me and my brother Derrick Hodge were fortunate enough to score this series Run the World,” explained Glasper. “It finally gave me a chance to work with this person I’ve been meaning to work with forever.” He then brought out singer/songwriter Emily King for the gorgeous ballad “What Love Can Do.” Glasper and King then revisited their Black Radio III collaboration, turning the free-flowing “Invitation” into audience participation during the breakdown. After King left the stage, Glasper noted that, while he came to Austin for jazz camp as a high schooler, he’s from Houston, and while he was in elementary school, he and some friends used to ride their bikes over to the next neighborhood outside of ZZ Top’s house, waiting for them to possibly appear. Cue Sundance bringing out a few bars of the Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man” – a running joke from then on. Apropos of nothing, really, but still a humorous breather before the next tune. 

For that, Glasper improvised a fleet-fingered piano intro that led into “Shine,” his collaboration with singer Tiffany Gouche – present as a sampled voice – and rapper D Smoke, who appeared in the flesh. Glasper explained how both the song and the album came to be during the pandemic, scoring a Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album with music recorded in a homemade, self-built studio in his landlord’s old apartment behind his building. This led into praise for late producer/musician J Dilla, which in turn fed into the band performing a rewritten (on the fly?), energy-filled take on Dilla’s “Wild.” After Smoke quit the stage and the crew brought on a voice modulator, Glasper introduced “my sister” Yebba, who arrived to sing the smoky R&B song “Distance” from her debut album Dawn. Interpolating verses from Natalie Cole‘s “Everlasting Love,” her voice soared into the stratosphere on the wings of her self-manipulated electronic modulations. 

That, of course, meant it was time for Yebba’s contribution to Black Radio III. Conceived at a soundcheck, as Glasper explained, the majestic “Over” filled the room with funky grooves and barely-controlled vocal emotion – a feeling that was heightened by the reappearance of King and Smoke, who added harmonies and freestyle rapping, respectively. “Hoping that this love ain’t over” went from hook to mantra, ending the song to wild applause from the crowd. A soulful ending to a soulful show, and we can’t wait for you to see it when it airs as part of our upcoming Season 49 on your local PBS station. 

Robert Glasper, with special guests Emily King, D Smoke, and Yebba, perform on Austin City Limits, August 2023. Photos by Scott Newton.
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Giveaway: Flor de Toloache 8/29

Flor de Toloache 2023

UPDATE: The giveaway is now over. Austin City Limits will tape a performance by Flor de Toloache on Tuesday, August 29th at 8 pm at ACL Live at The Moody Theater (310 W. 2nd Street, Willie Nelson Blvd). We are giving away a limited number of passes to this taping. Enter your name and email address on the below form by Friday, August 25th at 5pm.

Winners will be chosen at random and a photo ID will be required to pick up tickets. Winners will be notified via email. Duplicate entries for a single taping will be automatically voided. Tickets are not transferable and will be voided if sold. Standing may be required. No photography, recording or cell phone use in the studio. No cameras, computers or recording devices allowed in the venue.

The Latin Grammy Award–winning, all-female Flor De Toloache mixes tradition and innovation, breaking boundaries with its edgy, versatile, and fresh take on traditional Latin American music. Like the legendary love potion that the Toloache flower is used for in Mexico, the talented New York ensemble casts a spell over its audiences with soaring vocals and physical elegance. The members’ diverse ethnicities and musical backgrounds transcend culture and gender by forging new paths. The group has graced international stages from Mexico to Japan and has extensively toured to cities in the US, Europe, and Latin America. With a total of five studio albums to date, “Las Flores,” as their fans call them, recently released Motherflower, described by the artists as a fiercely feminist mosaic of genres inspired by mariachi.

For entry to Austin City Limits tapings, you agree to abide by the Taping Health & Safety Protocols based on the current COVID-19 Community Risk Stage in effect at the time of the event. By attending the ACL tapings, you agree to the Terms & Conditions.

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Giveaway: Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway 8/28

Molly Tuttle 2023

UPDATE: The giveaway is now over. Austin City Limits will tape a performance by Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway on Monday, August 28th at 8 pm at ACL Live at The Moody Theater (310 W. 2nd Street, Willie Nelson Blvd). We are giving away a limited number of passes to this taping. Enter your name and email address on the below form by Friday, August 25th at 5pm.

Winners will be chosen at random and a photo ID will be required to pick up tickets. Winners will be notified via email. Duplicate entries for a single taping will be automatically voided. Tickets are not transferable and will be voided if sold. Standing may be required. No photography, recording or cell phone use in the studio. No cameras, computers or recording devices allowed in the venue.

GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter, musician and performer Molly Tuttle and her band, Golden Highway, will release their new album, City of Gold, on July 21. The new record follows Tuttle’s acclaimed 2022 album, Crooked Tree, which won Best Bluegrass Album at the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards and led NPR Music to call her, “a female flat picker extraordinaire with agility, speed and elegance who distinctively brings American roots music into the spotlight.” Produced by Tuttle and Jerry Douglas, the new record was inspired by Tuttle’s constant touring with Golden Highway these past few years, during which they have grown together as musicians and performers, cohering as a band. These 13 tracks—mostly written by Tuttle and Ketch Secor (Old Crow Medicine Show)—capture the electric energy of the band’s live shows by highlighting each members’ musical strengths. 

Raised in Northern California, Tuttle moved to Nashville in 2015. In the years since, she’s been nominated for Best New Artist at the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards, won Album of the Year at the 2023 International Folk Music Awards, Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2022 International Bluegrass Music Awards, Instrumentalist of the Year at the 2018 Americana Music Awards and Guitar Player of the Year at the IBMAs in both 2017 and 2018, the first woman to receive the honor. Tuttle has performed around the world, including shows with Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, Hiss Golden Messenger, Jason Isbell, Old Crow Medicine Show and Dwight Yoakam as well as at several major festivals including Bonnaroo, Newport Folk Festival and Pilgrimage.  

For entry to Austin City Limits tapings, you agree to abide by the Taping Health & Safety Protocols based on the current COVID-19 Community Risk Stage in effect at the time of the event. By attending the ACL tapings, you agree to the Terms & Conditions.

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Giveaway: Robert Glasper 8/24

Robert Glasper 2023

UPDATE: The giveaway is now closed. Austin City Limits will tape a performance by Robert Glasper on Thursday, August 24th at 8 pm at ACL Live at The Moody Theater (310 W. 2nd Street, Willie Nelson Blvd). We are giving away a limited number of passes to this taping. Enter your name and email address on the below form by Monday, August 21st at 5pm.

Winners will be chosen at random and a photo ID will be required to pick up tickets. Winners will be notified via email. Duplicate entries for a single taping will be automatically voided. Tickets are not transferable and will be voided if sold. Standing may be required. No photography, recording or cell phone use in the studio. No cameras, computers or recording devices allowed in the venue.

Robert Glasper is the leader of a new sonic paradigm with a career that bridges musical and artistic genres. To date, he boasts 5 Grammy wins and 12 nominations across 11 categories, an Emmy Award for his song for Ava Duvernay’s critically hailed documentary “13th” with Common and Karriem Riggins, and a Peabody Award for his Composition of “Mr. Soul!”. His work and accolades bridge all aspects of the music business, from live touring to film scoring, composing and producing.

Evolution is his hallmark. Glasper’s breakout crossover album Black Radio changed the face of the genre and set a new expectation for what popular music could be. The album won him the Grammy for best R&B album and established him as the musician of choice for some of the world’s most iconic artists; notably playing keys throughout Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly, winning another Grammy for the elastic track “These Walls”. The ongoing Black Radio series has since become Glasper’s calling card, upholding a place at the heart of a trailblazing community: from long-time sonic brothers Mos Def and Bilal, to legends including Ledisi, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Jill Scott, and Erykah Badu.

Glasper’s eternal pursuit to further his sound has been consistent in challenging and transforming his creative horizons across the board. Whether producing a remix album with Kaytranda or as a bandleader, Robert consistently defies the limits of the genre. This is evident in a portfolio that ranges from his acoustic jazz trio; which simultaneously defies and elevates the traditional idiom by uniting it effortlessly with electronics from visionary DJ Jahi Sundance, to August Greene; a collaboration with Common + Karriem Riggins, to R+R=Now; a supergroup at the crossroads of hip-hop and Jazz.

In the last year alone, Glasper has seen a staggering diversity of success. He released Black Radio III and Black Radio III Supreme Edition on Loma Vista Records; with features ranging from Jennifer Hudson, Killer Mike, and the late Mac Miller. On screen he created the original score for Run The World Season 2 and The Best Man television series. In July 2022 he was the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the first Blue Note Napa Valley Jazz Festival, which brought to the stage a plethora of iconic artists; from Chaka Khan to Maxwell and Glasper’s Dinner Party project featuring Snoop Dogg. October 2022 sees him back in New York for his now-legendary month-long residency at the Blue Note NYC, with the usual array of star-studded appearances from the likes of Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Questlove, Alex Isley and Miguel joining him both on and off stage.

With boundless innovation and elite technique as his signature it’s no surprise that Glasper has an avalanche of accolades, awards, and achievements to his name – most recently being asked to play at the 2020 March On Washington with Derrick Hodge and funk legend, Sir George Clinton. In August of 2020, Robert released ‘Better Than Imagined’ which won the Grammy for Best R&B song in 2021; the first taste of his Black Radio 3 album. Featuring H.E.R and Meshell Ndegeocello, the song advocates for Black love and the power, and responsibility, we have to improve our world; again demonstrating that, above all, Glasper is an artist at the heart of a moment – and a movement – to champion Black music, Black people, and the possibility of a better future.. The hip-hop-head-nod ballad is a dedication to just that: the beauty and brilliance of a heritage that is as much Kendrick as it is Coltrane, and which seeks to empower and uplift with every offering. Glasper later went on to win the Grammy for Best R&B Album for Black Radio 3 in 2023

In his own words:

“Black lives matter and so does black love; no one wants a life without love, but we have generations of people in our community who haven’t had the tools to actually be in healthy relationships. It seems like people are finally ready to open their eyes to systemic racism in this country, and if we’re going to talk about it, we have to also talk about how it affects our relationships – how we communicate, how we see ourselves, how we treat each other. It’s not always good, even though maybe it could be.” – Robert Glasper

For entry to Austin City Limits tapings, you agree to abide by the Taping Health & Safety Protocols based on the current COVID-19 Community Risk Stage in effect at the time of the event. By attending the ACL tapings, you agree to the Terms & Conditions.

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Featured News Taping Recap

Taping recap: Sudan Archives

Sudan Archives tapes Austin City Limits, Aug. 10, 2023. Photo by Scott Newton.

Theatrical, experimental, and playfully authentic, electronic R&B violinist Sudan Archives delivers an excitingly dynamic performance at her debut Austin City Limits taping, presenting various hits from the breadth of her musical discography. Aside from bringing a new level of musical complexity to the current state of R&B, she showcases a world that mixes modern musical influences and traditional string playing. The experimental fiddler’s diverse musical background makes for a sound that nearly transcends genres, with tracks that involve elements of hip-hop, techno, Irish Celtic music, and soul, all deeply influenced by the South African Sudanese violin scene. The fiddler and her band – consisting of three Austin-based backup singers (Maya Sampleton,Grace Sorensen, Shelbi Alexandria), a bassist (Ghalani Crenshaw), and electronic violinist (DSharp) – bring an enthrallingly theatrical essence. The performance was presented for the live ACL audience and to fans around the world via live stream. 

Lyrically exploring themes of spirituality, self-identity, relationships, and femininity, the experimental artist reflects her ethereal nature via her wardrobe and set-up, a manifestation of her own enchanting world. Sudan wore a fairy-warrior type wardrobe–a plaid dress with metallic silver ballerina slippers and a leather sheath strapped across the back, where she holds her mighty bow. The violinist and crew play amongst a stage showered with rose petals and next to mic stands that seemingly grow out of the stage ground intertwined with vines and roses. Candles, and water-filled wine glasses are spread throughout the stage. The multi-talented violinist kicks off the second song of the show with “Nont for Sale” from her 2018 EP Sink. The track that serves as a testament to the musician’s thought provoking lyrical commentary intertwined with spirituality, as she sings “My strings propagate through space and time/Here and there at the same time/Hand dimensions and basic rhyme/You ain’t gotta be mad, look deeper, go higher, when you climb.” Her signature midi violin makes its first appearance, signaled by the swooping sound effect of a sword being removed from its sheath. A symbolic representation of her own musical armor, the importance of the instrument’s role in her discography becomes increasingly emphasized both musically and visually throughout the performance with several sound effects that represent the fiddle as a weapon. The violin plays the role of the leader, narrator, and protagonist of the song’s story. Sudan Archives echoes a desire to re-imagine and re-examine the traditional instrument’s role in popular music. 

Displaying the musician’s breadth of musical influence, track “Freakalizer” mixes the sound of the 90’s to early 2000’s R&B traditional beats with modern techno elements. Before beginning the performance, she conducts a certified “vibe check,” lighting sage with the comment “I gotta get the vibe right,” and moving into the intro of the song with a call to action: “Alright Austin, where my freaks at?” Removing her iconic leather sheath, she moves towards shifting the stage focus to the performance art components of her stage presence, incorporating grand intentional gestures towards cameras and audience members. Attesting to the musician’s theatrical, expressive, and authentically “in your face” musical presence, the violinist leaves the stage and moves casually through the crowd on the floor below. Connected by Sudan’s creation of a playful club-like atmosphere, the crowd seemingly transports to a night out at Club Sudan. Dancing with fans surrounded within a dance circle, Sudan Archives is the lively, fun, “feel good” girlfriend everyone wants to party with.

Showcasing the fiddler’s musical roots, influences, and well-rounded knowledge of the violin’s cultural presence and history, Sudan Archives performs a traditional Irish jig. Influenced by the likes of gospel, the Sudanese violin scene, and Celtic music, the musician calls out to the audience saying “Who in here is Irish? I love your culture. I joined the fiddle club and my life hasn’t been the same.” Gesturing that the crowd clap along, Sudan captures the role that culture plays in the artist’s unique sound by fusing a Celtic jig with hip-hop. This track showcases Sudan’s roots as a string player and the motivation behind her songs’ raw “fiddler” approach. Transitioning into one of artist’s biggest hits, as recently featured on The Stephen Colbert Show, track “Selfish Soul” demonstrates Sudan’s powerful commentary on femininity, the female appearance, and self-worth. She sings soulfully and moves intentionally up and down the stage, fist bumping backup singers and singing “If I cut my hair, hope I grow it long/Back long time like way before/If I wear it straight will they like me more?/Like those girls on front covers.” Ending the track with an explosive violin solo, the musician spins in circles in a rapidly moving pace as the crowd erupts into applause. 

Returning back to the stage to perform their encore, Sudan and band begin to play “Limitless”, a comforting and compelling song on society’s preoccupation with materialism and superficiality. The musician asks the audience to illuminate the theater with their iPhone lights as they sway to the track’s melody. The performer watches the crowd light up with a sea of swaying phone lights, singing “All we have is the internet/It’s okay to be afraid…All we have is the internet/We’re too cool to admit.” The soulful singer moves back into the crowd swaying with their movement and ending her performance by noting how the lights “looked like lightning bugs.” A cheerful end to a moving track, Sudan wraps up her ACL debut. 

As one of the most uniquely experimental performances to take the ACL stage, Sudan Archives delivers on the campy, “in your face” realness that radiates from her music and stage presence. From violin virtuoso to a feel good club jam, taking a visit to Sudan’s world is unapologetically thought-provoking and undeniably authentic. Presenting a complex musical sound elevated by the captivating components of her performance art, Sudan Archives leaves no room for predictability or conformity on her stage.

Sudan Archives on Austin City Limits, August 2023. Photos by Scott Newton.
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Featured News Taping Announcement

Taping announcement: Flor de Toloache 8/29

Photo by Kelvin Pagan.

Austin City Limits is happy to announce a brand new taping for late summer as part of our Season 49, featuring the extraordinary Latin Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated all-female Flor de Toloache on August 29. 

Under the dynamic leadership of Shae Fiol and Mireya Ramos, Flor de Toloache seamlessly combines tradition and innovation, breaking boundaries with their edgy, versatile, and fresh perspective on classic Latin American music. Much like the enchanting effects of the toloache flower in traditional Mexican love potions, the talented New York ensemble casts a spell over its audiences with stunning live performances showcasing striking vocals, musical virtuosity and enthralling stage presence. Boasting members from a myriad of ethnic and musical backgrounds, the ensemble continually pushes the boundaries, defying cultural and gender norms. NPR raves, “Flor de Toloache stuns at the crossroads of fusion and mariachi girl magic.” 2017 was a milestone year for the trailblazing group, as they clinched the Latin Grammy Award for  Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album, marking their place in history as the first all-female act to receive this accolade. Their 2019 third studio album, which featured collaborations with esteemed artists including John Legend, Miguel and Alex Cuba, further elevated their reputation, earning them a 2020 Grammy nomination. Flor de Toloache’s musical journey has taken them across continents, with memorable performances from Mexico to Europe, Latin America to Japan, and even a performance at The White House. 

“Las Flores,” as their fans call them, recently released their groundbreaking fifth studio album, Motherflower, a fiercely feminist mosaic of genres inspired by mariachi. The innovative album masterfully crafts a genre-defying blend rooted in mariachi influences while embarking on a voyage of purely original compositions. Spearheading this sonorous journey is the highlight “Una Vida y Otra Más”, a track infused with samba rhythms and co-created with the distinguished Argentine composer Claudia Brandt. Motherflower emanates a boldness, an unyielding declaration of feminist vigor, channeled in a way that’s both commanding and unparalleled. This new auditory treasure aligns seamlessly with the band’s ongoing artistic evolution. Vocalist and violinist Mireya Ramos first appeared on our stage in Season 48, joining Grammy-winning producer Adrian Quesada to bring to life his acclaimed Spanish-language album Boleros Psicodélicos. We’re thrilled to welcome Flor de Toloache to the ACL stage in their headlining debut.

Want to be part of our audience? We will post information on how to get free passes a week in advance of the taping. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for notice of postings. The broadcast episode will air on PBS this fall as part of our upcoming Season 49.