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Jon Batiste Interview

Jamie’s joined by the jazz pianist and composer Jon Batiste to talk about his new album, the stunning soundtrack to Pixar film Soul and his roots in New Orleans

Jamie’s guest on the show this week is one of his "favourite musicians on planet earth right now” - the multi-talented jazz pianist, pop-star, bandleader and film composer Jon Batiste!

From a family of New Orleanian musicians, Batiste has been performing since he was in single digits, released his first album in his teens and had played Carnegie Hall by age 21. The Louisiana native has been a fixture on American TV screens for years, as musical director of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, but his role composing the jazz soundtrack for recent Disney Pixar film Soul has seen his music reach millions more still.

Despite performing on TV five nights a week, Batiste has been on prolific form of late - releasing two live albums recorded at iconic New York jazz venue The Village Vanguard, a grammy nominated record with guitarist Cory Wong and now an ambitious new LP titled We Are.

We Are takes a widescreen, genre-fluid approach to songwriting. Whilst Batiste’s jazz talents are clear, the album weaves through many styles from blues and hip-hop to modern pop - a broad range fitting for a man who has squeezed so much into his 34 years.

He talks to Jamie about writing for Soul, the new album and how the cultural melting pot of New Orleans has shaped his boundaryless approach to music.

1 minute

Last on

Tue 16 Mar 2021 21:00

Music Played

  • Chris Barber's Jazzband

    Wild Cat Blues

    • Metronome.
  • Conor Albert & Alice Auer

    Crazy He Calls Me

    • Young Poet Records.
  • Nubiyan Twist

    Flow

    Remix Artist: Cherise.
    • Strut Records.
  • Willie Nelson

    Night Life

    • The Best Of Willie Nelson.
    • CAMDEN.
  • Jon Batiste

    Cry

    • UMG.
  • Jon Batiste

    Born To Play

    • Walt Disney Records.
  • James C. Booker

    Gonzo

    • New Orleans Blue, Soul & Jazz Gumbo.
    • Metro Select.
    • 10.
  • Jon Batiste

    We Are

    • UMG.
  • Jon Batiste & Cory Wong

    Relationships

  • Heidi Vogel

    Dindi

    Remix Artist: Austin Peralta.
    • Far Out.
  • Damon Locks Black Monument Ensemble

    Now (Forever Momentary Space)

    • International Anthem.

Broadcast

  • Tue 16 Mar 2021 21:00