Beloved neo-soul artist Bilal took to the stage at Glasshaus alongside close friends Robert Glasper, Questlove, Common and bassist Burniss Travis in December 2023 to play a reimagined collection of songs spanning his career. It was billed as a one-night-only event and also live-streamed for those unable to attend the intimate affair in person. If you happen to be in the number of those who missed out on that performance, Bilal is now set to release a recording of the live set as his next album, Live At Glasshaus. Even better, he’s chosen a live version of “Something To Hold” as the project’s lead single.
“Something To Hold” was actually meant to be housed on Bilal’s sophomore album Love For Sale in the early 2000s. Sadly, the project was shelved and then — much to his chagrin — leaked to the masses, who reveled in the album’s next-level magic. Those familiar with the bootleg might not recognize this live version of “Something To Hold,” however.
Glasper, Travis and Questlove invert the bombastic 2000s production with piano, bass and drums. Their decisions effectively turn it into a more complex and jazzy number that displays the musicality of each of the four gentlemen performing. This is especially true of Bilal, who effortlessly takes his voice from churchy lows to falsetto highs whenever it pleases him and even throws in a nod to Bobby Womack’s “A Woman’s Gotta Have It” for good measure.
Bilal’s Live From Glasshaus will feature nine songs, including the brand-new cut “Humility” and two interludes featuring his close friends and collaborators Questlove and Common, respectively. If you missed out on the performance or just want to relive the moment, then mark your calendars for the effort’s Friday, June 14th release date. Head below to listen to “Something To Hold (Live),” watch the song’s live performance video and view the live album’s full tracklist.
Bilal Live From Glasshaus tracklist:
1. Something To Hold
2. All Matter
3. All For Love
4. Reminisce
5. Funky For You
6. Soul Sista
7. Interlude: Questlove’s Story
8. Sometimes
9. Interlude: Common’s Gratitude
10. Humility
11. Levels
