Jonathan Batiste is one of the next ambassadors of the culture of jazz music in America. Developing his own unique voice, the statement that he will make will be one that is distinctly his own. His statement in one that stresses the importance of humanity, sophistication, intelligence, and soul within music and the culture. Aiming to become an influential voice of the people through music in society, this New Orleans native is continually growing and changing into what will become a very powerful voice, not only in music but in society.
By the age of 17, he released his first of his two CDs as a leader entitled "Times In New Orleans" which features the talents of some of New Orleans finest musicians including Jason Marsalis, Donald Harrison and Christian Scott.
He is presently studying Jazz Piano at The Juilliard School of music in New York.
In 2005 he made his debut at Carnegie Hall at 18 years old. In 2007 he made his debut in at the Concert Gebouw in Amsterdam producing and performing in his own show and conducting music clinics/masterclasses and workshops throughout all of Holland in inner city schools and underprivileged neighborhoods.
Jonathan Batiste was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1986. He was first introduced to music through his family's band, the Batiste Brothers Band, in which he played the percussions at the age of 8, switching to the piano at age 11. At a young age of nine Jonathan was featured singing on his first major commercial in Japan. These were his first experiences as a performer. Jonathan shows promise as a multi-instrumentalist and is versatile in performing on piano, melodica, saxophone, and bass guitar. By the age of 16 years old, Jonathan could be seen, performing with some of New Orleans' most outstanding and respected musicians including the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis, Irvin Mayfield, Nicholas Payton, Alvin Batiste, Cyril Neville, and many others. He made his debut at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival with his band in 2005. He has recorded with Harry Connick Jr., Alvin Batiste, the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra with Irvin Mayfield, Russell Batiste (drummer for the "Funky Meters"), Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews and others. The year of 2004, Jonathan graduated from St. Augustine High School and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) under the tutelage of Alvin Batiste, Michael Pellera, and others. NOCCA is a high-level fine arts conservatory that has produced alumni such as Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr., Terrence Blanchard and many more.
Now a flame on the NYC scene, he has been invited to play with various wonderful musicians such as Abbey Lincoln, Wynton Marsalis, Lenny Kravitz, Jimmy Buffet, Cassandra Wilson, Curtis Fuller, David "Fathead" Newman (saxophonist for Ray Charles), Maraca, Louis Hayes, Goapele, as well as some of South Africa's musicians such as Ernie Smith, Prince Kupi, Musa Manzani.
He recently was awarded the "Movado Future Legend" award which is a unique effort by Movado watch makers to recognize and encourage young artist with promising careers in the arts.
Since his arrival to New York he has been performing regularly around the city with his trio. The members of this group are very special to me. "We are like musical brothers." says Batiste. His trio is the basis for most of his musical endeavors, whether they are performing, speaking to audiences about the music, to educating younger musicians and exposing people to this essential part of American culture. They have performed around the world, including London, Portugal, South Africa, France, New Orleans, Los Angles and The Netherlands.
He is currently a student of master classical pianist and mentor William Daghlian and also of jazz icon and innovator Kenny Barron.
His most recent release entitled "Live In New York: At The Rubin Museum Of Art" features the talents of his trio (Phillip Kuehn and Joe Saylor), as well as his skills as a pianist and composer in a live acoustic setting. The CD speaks volumes, steadly attracting the attention of many accalimed artist and music lovers across the globe.
When not performing he is active with his other projects including educational events, cultural exchange programs, and speaking to various audiences as a young representative for the music. With a clear and refined focus, and tons of musical experience, he is ready to take the music to new levels of sophistication and creativity.
CONTACT INFO: [email protected], www.youtube.com/jonbatistetv
