The RH Factor - Hard Groove

Like a hip scientist, Roy Hargrove mixes jazz and funk with soul and hip hop on this experimental, 14-track collection. The trumpeter, who won a Grammy in 1997 for his Habana album, brings cutting-edge jazzbos into his laboratory, including pianist Marc Cary and bassist Meshell Ndegeocello. The alchemy works best on “Common Free Style,” featuring rapper Common, the sensuous “I’ll Stay,” with singer D’Angelo, and the laid-back “Poetry,” featuring singer Erykah Badu and rapper Q-Tip. But all of it cooks, making Hard Groove a highly combustible fusion.