Jon Batiste: We Are

Something that has always fascinated me about Jon Batiste’s music is that he manages to create a vibe that makes me feel like I could grab any instrument and sit in with the band. There is an inviting warmth and positivity to his art that is hard to find elsewhere.

We Are, to me, is all the more special since it was made and released in the midst of the Covid pandemic. A time that had most everybody down and distraught, a far cry from feeling anything positive, inviting, or warm. How Jon found the strength to give so much during such a glum time will never not be amazing to me.

Since recording with a band in a studio was mostly a pipe dream during the Covid years, Jon played most of the instruments himself. And yet, there is a long list of guest artists and collaborators on this record. It shows: The upbeat, infectiously joyous sound of the music has the feel of community baked in. It makes the audience feel like they’re part of something wonderful, while being comforted. We Are winning the Grammy for Album of the Year 2022 was absolutely no surprise at all.

Whenever I feel down on myself, am sick on the couch, or just need an emotional pick-me-up, We Are is a surefire way to lift my spirits - I hope it will be for you, too.

Available on Vinyl, CD and all major streaming platforms.