Something Good...Jon Batiste
Prepare to be swept away to a magical, moody, beautiful place
Every month, I offer up a recommendation on what I’ve been reading, listening to or watching. Usually, it’s something that prompts my thinking about what I am (un)learning. Or sometimes, it’s just because I think you might love it too.
🎼 🎹 Album: Jon Batiste—Beethoven Blues
When someone has talent, it’s so obvious—even to the untrained eye (or ear). You not only see it, you feel it. It moves you and sweeps you away, makes you smile, shed a tear, or both. This is how I felt when I saw a clip of Jon Batiste playing the piano from the Kelly Clarkson show. It stopped me.
The joy on his face, his smile as he played. Really played, in all senses of the word. I had to go and find his music so I could listen again. Turns out, he’s got a new album out, Beethoven Blues.
It’s oceanic in it’s depth, packed with emotion. I got lost in it as I sat and pondered life. It’s moody, beautiful, soulful, reflective, redemptive…it’s so good.
It’s piano classics with personality. You think you know where you’re going and then…nope, he’s zipped you off somewhere new.
He speaks through the black and white keys.1 It takes you on a journey you didn’t know you needed. Evokes emotions you didn’t know were there. (So be forewarned when and where you listen. I cried.)
Listen to one song, or take in the whole album. Yes, the WHOLE ALBUM. I couldn’t move. I haven’t sat and listened to an album since I was a teenager. This one kept me glued to my chair in a reverie. It swept me away.
Enjoy!
If you don’t have time for the full album right now...
What say you?
When’s the last time you sat and listened to a full album? Of any kind? Let alone piano?
Do you have any other piano classics you love to listen to? (Songs or great artists?)
What emotions did it evoke for you? More the joy, or the sorrow, or something completely different?
Knowing the backstory of his equally talented wife,
, whose cancer has recently returned, I wonder if if that’s part of why this album carries so much emotion? The joy and sorrow he pours out on the piano evokes the same from our own lives and experiences.
Thanks for this wonderful share Kim. Jon's talent is uplifting at a time we all need it. Hopefully everyone who listens to him sends a prayer for Suleika❤️
Thank you for sharing this! I've been very impressed by Jon's talent before but I didn't know about this album. I listened to the clip and am excited to hear the whole thing!