Jon Batiste @ CMA (2/25/2024)
History was made last night at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Five time Grammy winner Jon Batiste played two back to back sold out shows at the Gartner Auditorium inside the Museum. With only 683 seats holding each show, those lucky fans got to experience the most intimate concert setting performed by one of the best musicians in the world. I was lucky enough and very thankful to capture photos of the second showing, and it was truly a unique night. How liberating and profound Jon’s music and interactivity with the audience was! It was joyous!
Jon Batiste originally had the day off amidst his Uneasy Tour, but the Museum asked if he’d be interested in playing at the Museum on Sunday. What initially began as an idea for a solo show of just himself then evolved into a trio including the bassist and drummer. And eventually on the day of the show, Jon decided to bring the whole band with him! Jon also introduced an Alto Saxophone player in the band who is from Ohio. The two back to back shows were live-recorded, so perhaps there will be a future video or live EP in the works.
The show started off in the dark, where it opened with the angelic soundscape of the pipe organ. Then through the darkness a single beam of light illuminated Jon while he played CMA’s McMyler Memorial Organ, built by Holtkamp Organ Company in 1971. He looked back on us and gave his signature smile, a look of joy and gratefulness. After the first piece, the drummer and bassist appeared on the stage, while Jon continued to lead on the organ from above. Soon, he joined his bandmates on stage and played the Broadwood forte piano from circa 1835. You can see the concentration and how his mind was creating magical notes translated by the beautiful sounds of whatever instrument he played. Before bringing out the full band, Jon played a Duke Ellington piece, “Black and Tan Fantasy”. With the full band featuring vocalist Desiree Washington, also known as Desz, Jon Batiste debuted a world premiere song titled “Sometimes”. Throughout the night, Jon lovingly sang and the crowd were up on their feet clapping and singing along. Band members traded solos with each other, each player so talented in their delivery and showmanship. Jon played “Freedom” from his album of the year, We Are, which won the Album of the Year at the 64th Grammys, and other songs such as “Raindance” from World Music Radio. Towards the end of the show, Jon, with his harmonabaord, led the band members down on the floor and danced with the audience, even making his way on the balcony. They performed a cover of “Killing Me Softly” and ended the show from the American songbook, “When the Saints Go Marching In” in artistic improv and virtuoso brilliance.
One can hear so much wondrous music from many influences such as jazz, gospel, hip hop, classical, and more. But Jon doesn’t like to be labeled and put in a box, as his music is so much more. A constant theme that he conveys is to be yourself and that is whoever you wish to be. His music is the culmination of much more than just American culture, but his music is a journey to find his own voice, and by extension that can allow oneself to relate to their own identity.
If you couldn’t catch the show, or simply can’t get enough of the healing power of Jon’s music, I also recommend watching the recent documentary, American Symphony. It details Jon Batiste and his wife Suleika Jaouad’s journey together, as they share love and laughter in life’s winning moments but also challenging times as Suleika battles with leukemia. It’s a deeply moving documentary and it gives other cancer survivors and fighters hope and solidarity. I think what we can learn a lot from Jon is that music and art heals. I definitely felt healed that night, and I hope you can feel that too.
Special thanks goes to Shelly Duncan, my editor, and to Jackie Bon at the Cleveland Museum of Art for making this review and photography possible!
Photos by Kevin NG
