Well ahead of his late night CBS-TV debut this fall, Stephen Colbert made the big announcement just last night. His pick to lead his house band will be New Orleans (actually Kenner, bruh) native and the insanely talented — JON BATISTE.
Hailing from a long line of incredible N’awlins musical talent that stretches from today’s Harry Connick, Jr., Dr. John & Trombone Shorty back to “Satchmo” Louis Armstrong himself, Jonathan may not be an American household name – yet.
But trust me, this star is rising. Into the stratosphere!
** Batiste & his “Stay Human” Band take us all down to the St. James Infirmary **
Concerned that way too many folks today are totally lost in their own little “plug-in, tune-out digital worlds”, Jon has named his band “Stay Human”. As he touts live music’s unique ability to unite and uplift humanity.
Now, how cool is that?
And just as personable and warm as he can be, Batiste is magically magnetic in front of the camera, too. Perhaps you’ve already caught him on HBO’s “Treme”, or in Spike Lee’s “Red Hook Summer”.
Yes, late night television is getting a shot of funked-up electrifying New Orleans jams that will make getting to bed just a little more difficult this fall.
And somehow you have to know that somewhere, some place, relaxing in front of the flat screen in a dimly lit den will be Dave & Paul, tapping their feet, smiling in approval.
Oh, and more than one or two ultra-proud New Orleanians, too!
Airlift Productions ~ Audio Alchemy from NOLA since 1984.
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