What’s Good Y'all! This Black history Month has been BLACK as hell! It’s like we took it up a notch knowing this year was gonna be hot garbage for us. And I’m so appreciative to artists like Jon Batiste for creating music that perfectly encapsulates the energy of Black America this season. Pride, Representation, Memories, Preservation and most importantly Faith and Hope that we gone be alright. The New Orleans Collection is the latest and14th studio album from Jon Batiste. It's also the first album I have ever checked out from him, however his music, sound and personality is not foreign to me. Jon Batiste is singer, songwriter, musician, composer, bandleader, television personality and actor. PErforming with everyone and their momma from Prince to Willie Nelson, Lenny Kravitz and Juvenile. Did you know Batiste serves as the music director of The Atlantic and the Creative Director of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem? Batiste was born in Metairie, Louisiana, but grew up in Kenner, Louisiana. Batiste is a member of a New Orleans musical dynasty, the Batiste family, that includes Lionel Batiste of the Treme Brass Band, Milton Batiste of the Olympia Brass Band, and Russell Batiste Jr. At the age of 17 Jon released his debut album Times in New Orleans, so it is beautiful and befitting for his latest project to go draw back to his roots entitling this album ‘The New Orleans Collection.’
This album was such a beautiful blend of R&B,Hip-Hop, Jazz, Blues, Classical and New Orleans Bounce Music. Batiste showed out with the album ok and it's not like he has anything to prove being a Grammy, and an Oscar winner! To create something as beautiful as this album, I’ve honestly chalked it up to he really loves what he does and where he’s from, so how can he best represent that? I loved the love he showed to his hometown featuring various artists from New Orleans as well. You got the Hot 8 Brass Band on the track 'Adulthood', Trombone Shorty on 'Boy Hood' and Big Freedia also lends her voice to the track 'Freedom'. The album not only makes you want to get up and bounce a bit but also reflect. One song that encapsulates both of those sentiments is the track 'Worship'. It made me feel like I just wanted to have a praise break and thank God for everything. I really loved this album and it was RIGHT ON TIME for Black History Month!
I love the way New Orleans is getting its love and shine this year, a culture in the US that is one of a kind and admired nationally, with the Super Bowl in New Orleans this year and Jon Batiste performing the National Anthem, it’s no wonder all eyes are on New Orleans. Be sure to check out the album, links below:
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