5 things to know about Colbert's new band leader, Jon Batiste
It was announced Thursday that Louisiana-born jazz musician, Jon Batiste, will take the coveted role of Stephen Colbert’s bandleader when the revamped Late Show debuts in September. While Colbert simply said, “I like this guy,” during his official YouTube announcement, there’s a lot more to know about the celebrated artist. So, who is Jon Batiste?
1. Musician for life
While he might be known nowadays for his vibrant performances in more than 40 countries and collaborations with artists like Prince, Lenny Kravitz and Wynton Marsalis, the 28-year-old has had a lifelong attachment to music. At eight years old, Batiste was introduced to the stage as a percussionist in his family’s band, the Batiste Brothers Band. He went on to start playing piano at age 12 and released his first two CDs by age 17. While he had no shortage of practical experience as a young artist, Batiste also graduated from the prestigious Julliard School before forming his present-day band, Jon Batiste and Stay Human. So, in case anyone was wondering: yes, this guy is the real deal.
2. He coins his own musical terms
It takes someone special to be able to define his own style in a new way that fans and followers can identify with. Batiste is all about “social music” – a performance style that encourages participation from audience members and has been known to, in some instances, erupt into full-on street parties. He further describes these impromptu moments as “love riots” according to his website – moments so big and full of energy that people who don’t even know each other are brought together through the music.
3. He can act, too
It’s obvious he’s no stranger to the soundstage (or “street stage,” if you will) but Batiste has also found a home on screen before, too. If you’ve tuned into HBO’s Treme, you’ve likely heard reference to New Orleans’ largest musical family – and it happens to be his. The show, set in post-Katrina New Orleans, is based on real artists as they rebuild their homes, culture and lives during the hurricane’s aftermath. Batiste debuted in Season 2, playing himself, and returns in Season 3 and 4. The multi-talented artist also played T.K. Hazelton in Spike Lee’s “Red Hook Summer” (2012).
4. He’s committed to community
With his dedication to the musical scene comes a commitment to the local community as well. Batiste was recently appointed the Artistic Director at Large for the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. His feel-good style and familiarity with a wide spectrum of genres allows him to capture new audiences for the museum while performing outreach in schools and communities.
5. He’s part of a package deal
Colbert has landed more than just a new bandleader – Batiste comes as part of a package deal. His Stay Human band members, including a saxophonist, a percussionist and a tubist, will continue backing him on Late Night. It’s likely that Colbert and CBS execs first got to know the band when they performed on The Colbert Report last year. If welcoming the band means bringing the full effect of Batiste’s colourful style and big-city flair to the show, we’re all for it.
Whether it’s stage, street, small screen or big, Batiste and Stay Human never fail to bring authentic spirit and musical gold to the table. Here’s counting on this new venture to be the start of a beautiful (and hilarious) thing. Colbert and the Late Night love riots will return Sept 8.
