The Genius of Jazz

Wynton Marsalis is an internationally acclaimed musician, composer, bandleader, educator and a leading advocate of American culture. He is the world’s first jazz artist to perform and compose across the full jazz spectrum from its New Orleans roots to bebop to modern jazz. Jon Batiste is a New Orleans-bred, New York-based musician, educator, and humanitarian, and the new band leader of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” The two discuss the genius of jazz with Walter Isaacson.
This conversation and performance was recorded at the 2015 Aspen Ideas Festival on Saturday, July 4, 2015.
To learn more about the Aspen Ideas Festival in Aspen, Colorado, visit aspenideas.org

[@aundreasmith4472]

Wynton and Jon Baptiste are real American Musical Treasures. Their music is phenomenal!

[@Dontchangemynameok]

I’m speechless. I’ve watched this 5 times. I never learned any of this history in school.

[@sallybowles2781]

we forget how insanely great Jon Batiste is, because we see/hear him every day on TV and in movies, he has such a divine spark

[@princetonscholar5723]

A genius!

[@tonymack4769]

Thank you for the upload period reparations

[@Jedi_Black]

Black American music is Black American music not Irish or any other group.. Wynton should be ashamed of himself trying to discredit the Black American music uniqueness and contribution..

[@tebohosepanya899]

The level of consciousness and knowledge of "african" history and self is very refreshing and feels one with with pride. More importantly, it is humbling.

[@dinofx35]

So cool to hear Wynton mic-ed around his mouth while playing.

[@FredHsu]

Wow. Why did this video just came up on my home page today, and nor earlier? This is a treasure.

[@steveberlin5617]

This should be mandatory viewing in every high school in the country.

[@michaelbrickley2443]

Steve Berlin, cross cultural awareness should be mandatory as well as the concept of love your neighbor. Mutual respect has gone by the wayside and whether Trump is racist, only God knows but a lot of people seem to think hating people is OK. And it’s not

[@steveberlin5617]

@@michaelbrickley2443 word

[@LeslieMiller7900]

Right on!

[@leojbramble]

OMG 48:50 when Wynton improvises that run, and Jon replicates in a split second later... unbelievable ears and mastery.

I love Wynton Marsalis. Not only is he a true musical genius, but he is also a great craftsman, a great teacher, and on top on that a just a great person and human beeing.

[@leowinther2145]

The two musical instrumentalist are fantastisk whatever they play or take!

[@randallpeaslee1779]

So true. I've loved him for many years. I could listen to him talk and play all day long.

[@sonofdavid5071]

Yes yes i agree. Also he is the Louis Armstrong of today...the best.

[@markbahouth2713]

this 🐝 bee is truly beeing . Buzzzzzz 🙄.

[@victorlloyd1131]

Louis Armstrong was more versatile - and the greatest of all time in my humble opinion From an 89 year old ukulele bamd leader from NEW ZEALAND now residing in Philippines​@sonofdavid5071

[@Eirileat]

It's 2024, I don't know how I didn't pick up on more of this type of music and their perspective during lockdown. It's great to have discovered it now. I just find it nurtures my happy side and soothes the sad.

[@BoWadeOnDrums]

Welcome in❤

[@witneyskye5556]

Music shared by two world-class and very humble musicians. Speechless.

[@skineyemin4276]

Wynton...? Humble?

[@CaliAllyE]

@@skineyemin4276 my first thought as well! Obviously not someone who’s been in the same room for very long. That said, Jon Batiste studied with Ellis Marsalis (RIP), so they do know each other.

[@skineyemin4276]

@@CaliAllyE Most of the time, when one comes from a big and stable family, one's confidence is built up over the years along with the natural sibling pecking order having been well established, so, that could be misconstrued as arrogance; youth + high talent makes that ever more more possible. However, Wynton Marsalis has been the best ambassador for jazz music and music in general from his family and education to his historic childhood location, New Orleans, Louisiana in which jazz music was created, and, jazz music is the only true and original American music art form born in the United States of America, as we all should know by now.

[@Antti_Nannimus]

Two home-grown NOLA boys now grown up to be the First Gentlemen of American Jazz and our Living National Treasures. Jazz music is America's greatest gift to world culture, and nobody represents better! This is a precious document for history.

[@rochellewarren5008]

💜

[@els1f]

I could listen to Wynton Marsalis talk forever.

[@terrymiller111]

You and Wynton.

[@els1f]

HAHAAA! :)

[@emiltoutou1]

Elsif me too I'm in jazz appreciation class,had to watch this segment... fantastic

[@dissco.partysan3333]

Elsif You are an egomaniac too..?

[@aaroneusjames2342]

@@dissco.partysan3333 because he's educated?

[@crazypianolady]

These two are not just musicians, they are true MASTERS of music and their instruments.

[@dissco.partysan3333]

true masters of imitating others you meant to say...

[@dissco.partysan3333]

Do you even know what a innovator is? Wynton is definitely not among them,he is a "bad imitator" at best,he was cool in his younger age.but never an innovator,actually far from being one...

[@dissco.partysan3333]

still havent figure out what an innovator is?

[@kendricbaines2415]

@@dissco.partysan3333 What lol. All great and innovative musicians and in studied and imitated. Wynton has his on sound and style using the elements of the cats and music he studied

[@kendricbaines2415]

@@dissco.partysan3333 wth are you talking about 😂

[@trindo331]

This made me late to work today. I was also in the best mood I've been in in weeks.

[@coldtruth6354]

this may happen to me tonight

[@LandDie]

0:04 The Star Spangled Banner 2:27 America the Beautiful 6:45 Motherless Child 7:29 St. James Infirmary 15:19 Stars and Stripes Forever 15:59 Makin' Runs 17:57 Maple Leaf Rag 23:51 West End Blues 37:50 Oh, Lady Be Good 45:16 Oh, Lady Be Good (bebop) 57:27 Amazing Grace 1:04:42 2nd Line

[@lvelidi]

Thanks a lot for putting that out. Love the look at 07:29, he's switching as he looks, you ready boss ? heh. love it.

[@dylg4349]

Appreciated brotha

[@sheyesamuel3869]

Thank you brother

[@MrPJBarney]

Much appreciated. God bless. Salvation in Christ Jesus.

[@aaroneusjames2342]

Missed the entertainer bite.

[@saturdayboy4454]

was unaware of batiste until he started on late show. he's brilliant. what can you about wynton? the government should appoint him secretary of culture & conscience. a living treasure.

[@dredre961]

saturdayboy4454 check out Jon's work with the Roy Hargrove Big Band

[@ruisglass5581]

You said it my brother

[@Research0digo]

Batiste is a huge musical family, very famous in NOLA.

[@Jantsenpr777]

Come on, now!

[@markbra]

The are so stupid they would never.

[@Ngaroc]

This is brilliant on so many levels: historical, musical, human. Wow. Great, great stuff.

[@haimzajde6848]

fantastik present.

[@tonianelson1266]

TEACH!!!! THANK YOU!

[@robertmanno5749]

@@tonianelson1266 And Preach!

[@shurshot2764]

BUT, the intro disses our anthem. Anti-jingoist to the extreme. "America" - is fair game and fine. Ala - Ray Charles "Georgia"

[@maca766]

I just love this guy, gives me energy and joy

[@IsaDesOsiers]

Watching this in summer 2019, I am such a huge fan of Jon Batiste! I thank Stephen Colbert for giving him a platform in order for all of us to better know this true musical genius. Here playing with another musical genius in Wynton Marsalis is pure heaven!

[@Think890]

I'm always in awe of what Jon Batiste does to these American classics

[@jeremesalazar3134]

They're just playing beautifully, they don't show off. And talking too much, sometimes its good to hear their voice and their thought too. This is too entertaining. I love them both.

[@victorjuhasz9078]

Wynton is remarkably articulate, with an amazing sense of perspective and context. This was a truly enlightening panel discussion. And of course, the musical artistry is first rate.

[@matthewfernandes8608]

n What a versatile pianist is Jon Batiste - any style is not a problem for him.

[@ousmanediallo-ne6mf]

i used to said that Miles , Coltrane , and Monk were gone with the Jazz , but after watching this jazz workshop i start being more optimistic than ever that this musical genre will never die.What's a great improvised jazz session by two great men: Marsalis and Batiste!!!!Love and Peace!!!

[@billgucci8378]

Both Batiste and Marsalis defer to each other musically, conversationally and with body language. Such loving humble and far sighted geniuses. God Bless them both+

[@connieconway244]

West end blues is a conversation between Wynton and Jon

[@alicemonick974]

​@@connieconway244 ll

[@nextoo1]

6/8 we call it adowa in Ghana west africa. it forms an integeral base of the traditional music of the ashanti people.

[@johnmarkconnolly6414]

It is a testament to the resilience of those sold into captivity that they brought their music with them to a new land under the most severe conditions to create a new music that would both tell their story and that of the new land.

[@roderickmorrison]

This is such a beautiful dialog between the host and the musicians. Unbelievable.

[@danielristakian2533]

honestly one of the best videos i've seen on youtube

[@ahutwelker9733]

Two beautiful human beings!

[@johnmoorely7275]

Thank you youtube for enabling me to see this wonderful and educational gem. My life is enriched.

[@fairplayer7435]

Wynton is no longer an American treasure, he is now a gift to music all over the world.

[@dissco.partysan3333]

Fairplayer I think the US has given the world enough gifts,especially those people in Iraq, Afghanistan ,Nicaragua,Vietnam and many more received too many gifts...LMAO

[@Brianhartmanmusic]

@@dissco.partysan3333 And how would you have done it differently genius? Where were you when we so desperately needed your advice?

[@dissco.partysan3333]

​@@Brianhartmanmusic What do wanna know, unfortunate one? If you mean what the US should do it is easy. For the start,they should stop attacking and invading countries and they should stop committing war crimes.The US are BTW the biggest war criminals of modern era.The US should also acknowledge the ICC in Hague so their free running war criminals like Bush, Cheney and Franks can be trialled.

[@dissco.partysan3333]

@@Brianhartmanmusic And? Has the cat eaten your tongue?

[@pastense]

DissCo. PartySan please don’t confuse the corrupt leaders of those countries with the innocent people who live under their rule. That is the MOST ignorant comment.

[@rudraneil]

What a wonderful evening for everyone who was there!

[@dianehoenzsch2980]

What an awesome time! Listening to the telling about the progression of types of jazz, the historical cultural changes, the political background surrounding jazz, and the brilliant jazz performances of Wynton Marsalis and Jon Batiste was a gift to witness and take in. As a musician, myself, it was an honor and privilege to just be in the presence of these guys who were raised in the center of it all in New Orleans, and even knew each other as youngsters! What a total wig-me-out time this was! WOW! Thank you!

[@martinrobinson9852]

It's amazing listening to this in July 2020. It's almost prophetic. Jon's statement, "it's hard to love your neighbour" is very profound. A great evening listening to this music, hearing about the history and these thoughts from humble thoughtful men (leaders!)

[@okkietrooy7941]

I know, in the current atmosphere it will be next to impossible, but would it not be great if people across the political spectrum would come together not to fight about politics but to listen and enjoy great music. Maybe a possibility to find common ground if only in love for music.

[@jeremyvanbriesies1940]

Amazing grace ....these 2 gentleman made me ...a grown man cry

[@gregorymiller2977]

Wynton Marsalis is not only a master of the cornet (trumpet) but a master of history as well. I enjoyed listening to him combine musical thought with historic content, and performing music. Like Marsalis, I knew a lot of the people he mentioned like Dizzy Gillespie, and was invited to share in the Gillespie Family Reunion in Cheraw, South Carolina. Top of that, Jon Batiste is an incredible pianist/. This was a wonderful educational hour of music and history.

[@nataliebold810]

I feel extremely lucky to be able to listen to this amazing entertainment with such deep educational insights and love.

[@kevinpringle3970]

I have just earned 4 credits in understanding how to appreciate this art form JAZZ!

[@logannyasulu9960]

These two guys are gems and treasures. Brilliant talent.

[@fearsomebunny]

Obviously Wynton Marsalis is a national treasure but I'm also very happy to see talented young people like Jon Batiste who represent themselves well and who is wise beyond his years.

[@Usefulmusic]

I grew up in the Bebop era and used to have no interest in the New Orleans "Trad" style. But I could now listen forever as long as it's Mr. W. Marsalis playing that style.

[@stevenewton6776]

Its amazing how much they know about music

[@lewisjones4158]

Love their performances. It's not entertainment. It's pure art.

[@skimanization]

I'm a South African and i like what Winton and Jon are doing here about the history of Jazz music in America, more especially New Orleans. Well done.

[@tamarahimmelstrand8985]

When Jon Batiste tells about the willingness to love all parts of a traumatic event I had tears in my eyes. Everyone here on earth goes through deep suffering, with a a few exceptions. Copassion is brings us closer to ourselves and others.

[@seanbrown532]

I always like listening to Mr. Marsalis speak.

[@MsSherryjh]

I never caught this one. SO GLAD I did!

[@finn6565]

I broke in tears when I heard "Amazin' Grace" ...Again and again, this wonderful grace which endures forever. No matter how low we get sometimes this Grace will find us and bring us back again, again and again

[@jeremyvanbriesies1940]

Amen 🙏🙏

[@banjoist123]

Wow. This has been an eye opener. I play bluegrass and have always been aware of the roots of southern mountain music coming over with the Scots/Irish but have always heard that bluegrass was a melding of this with the music of the freedmen and sharecroppers. Here, if I understand correctly, Marsalis is saying that it's actually the other way around. Amazing.

[@nahjo]

This man can talk you into jazz music without knowing

[@mariannehall7170]

This is simply fantastic! One of the best trumpet players of all time is telling us all about the History of Jazz in a very interesting way! . Accompanied by such a wonderful pianist... Thank you so much!!

[@MarcusAlanWard]

This message needs to be heard by millions

[@tamarahimmelstrand8985]

I'm so inspired by the intelligent historical telling of how things unfolded and led to Jazz that we have nowadays. Wynton Marsalis has such a beautiful gentle tone. Not to talk about his skill level!

[@ShirahGodsSong]

Absolutely Amazing!!! I love the fact that the microphone was clipped where you can him breathing. It really showed the tremendous effort behind the experience.

[@tulsacaupain2882]

Aha, thanks for mentioning that. At first I regretted it but after reading your comment, I get it.

[@yo-yotension4613]

There is not many left with the skill to play this music and make it sound easy and fun!

[@debracottrill7989]

Jon Batiste creates beautiful transcendent music. When I need lifted I know what to listen to. God bless you Jon for your new album.

[@MaxamillianStudio]

Wynton Marsalis is such an amazing music educator, and what an incredible moment with the crowd joining in at the playing of Amazing Grace.

[@adlaidep]

Wow!!! These gentlemen are not only articulate with their instruments/music, they are equally articulate with their words. I learned a lot from this video about music and about life. What absolute treasures these two musicians are. Proud of them as a New Orleanian by choice (and not by birth).

[@nivednewalit8117]

I love when Jon hit the keys with his elbow at 40:02

[@TheVigilantStewards]

me too that made my eyes widen

[@tunjioba5683]

Excellent performance. Not just the music but the history. Very contextual.

[@briti9537]

Immense talent.No words can express how Marsalis & Batiste make us feel inside. Respect and thanks

[@patdavey7187]

ah man I could listen to these two play duet all day x

[@thomassby7139]

I want Wyntons mouth, AND Jon's hands. But those ears of Jon's though... he has an incredible ear for playing while listening. Soooo impressive!

[@krking533]

I've found it: The best video on KZbin.

[@allisonkalloo2293]

❤

[@davidbeckham6409]

Jon Batiste is amazing!

[@ericlane659]

The talent on that stage is amazing! Much love for both Winton and Jon!

[@MuzoSTEIN]

TRULY FANTASTIC FOOTAGE. The historical lesson and philosophical viewpoint are as exhilarating, if not greater, than the spontaneity of musically-related performances: Music's Never Been Better Kissed! And, the mostly highlight of the event - Amazing Grace. Brings a tear to my eye the unrehearsed musical contribution of the audience's chorus refrain. WHAT A SYMBOLIC GESTURE OF BLACK & WHITE GLOBAL HARMONY. Thank you Isaacson, Marsalis, Batiste, Audience, & Uploader!

[@teathetrumpoet]

Watch this great interview of Olivier Theurillat who was greatly influenced by Wynton Marsallis to switch to Jazz, he talks about his career and the impact that Wynton had on his music....kzbin.info/www/bejne/maqcqYh4odWtbNk

[@judyglasel533]

Muzo5628 STEIN Totally agree with you regarding every aspect. I feel gifted and privileged to see and hear this video ........what a very special treat !

[@vincentdesiano4861]

It’s reassuring to hear such a famous and accomplished musician give the Great Louis Armstrong the proper respect and attention he earned and deserved! He was a true musical genius and a great American! This was a wonderful segment, Winton. Keep up the great work!

[@jwmc41]

For the record, without Armstrong Wynton wouldn’t know what to do!

[@lindariley5317]

❤ Even though this was recorded 7 years ago, it’s just fantastic. It is wonderful and I love Jon Batiste.

[@tulsacaupain2882]

December 2023. I decided to go on a search for everything John Batiste and so glad I got reinteoduced to Marsalis.

[@lucaserikadams]

Wynton makes me proud to call myself American in a time where that is very difficult to say.

[@etherealenigma2008]

Phenomenal video. Not only amazing music by two legends, but a great historical lesson to go with it.

[@harriettpavonrosado5175]

Their personalities are so refreshing. I love that they can still laugh while composing their crafts. Absolutely amazing! #fan4life

[@willieplasencia]

I had the pleasure of meeting Wynton and his little brother while working in a music store in NYC. He would frequent the store often and each and every time would shoot the sh#t with us. Cool guy then, cool guy now. This video is a keeper!

[@christiancummings4007]

shoot the sh#t???

[@YechanSong]

+Christian Cummings It means to make conversation.

[@DavidFRego]

So great to hear Mr. Marsalis working (the breath).

[@chrisgee3197]

A master class in breathing.

[@cosmlayla]

From so much pain comes so much beauty.

[@BlackRootsUNLIMITED]

I wish I could frame this and put it on the shelf, better still, on a billboard on the highway. 👏🏿👏🏿👌🏿 Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿🖤

[@louisgreen3915]

What a wonderful way to spend your time, conversations on life, the art form of jazz and what it means to be human (not to mention the great playing in between). Brings a tear to my eye.

[@allardbuising32]

The remark: "It's not Black (or what ever color, race or religion) vs White, it's Black and White vs White" is very powerfull stuff

[@tmilas23]

Wynton, JB You are the best. So much talent in just two guys. Thanks for You! I love Late Night with Jon Batiste.

[@patrickyoung3503]

A first class education in the history of jazz by two talented teachers. Thanks for posting I was highly entertained.

[@GOBLIN2950]

Jon is like - I am playing until they kick me out

[@tulsacaupain2882]

😂😂😂

[@RobertSeviour1]

Fabulous playing by two masters.

[@Suire1000]

You guys make me smile when you play. Fabulous.

[@Az-jt2zp]

Wynton Marsalis must be in his 50s in this video, but still, that baby face keeps him looking YOUNG!

[@shurshot2764]

Black don't crack!

[@luzrodas519]

OMG! what a wonderful pair of Masters!

[@francismumbi49]

Wynton and Jon, my brothers....thats our music....

[@MMyrick]

From the Crescent City to the Aspen Institute...."Amazing Grace"

[@heidiwilton5389]

the world needs more of this...artistic excellence.. human excellence

[@suprchickn7745]

Wynton has such a sophisticated way of speaking about race and I've always appreciated that about him. I have always gone to school with black people and never saw society as a white or black world but always believed that we can all be bad or good. Division by race is just a stupid way to pit people against each other, a way to make people buy onto an us vs. them mentality. Music is such a human, spiritual way for us to connect to one another in our individual strengths and weaknesses.

[@omt6852]

Wynton Marsalis and Jon Batiste are not just masters of their instruments, they are also masters of their musical genres. But even more importantly, they are both great humanitarians. Not in spite of being born with their particular skin color, in America, but because they are raising above bigotry and ignorance and accepting all people of good will regardless of skin color.

[@ahutwelker9733]

i really liked what Mr Marsalis said about generations and how there really isn't a dividing line between the ages and that it was the commercial marketers that cashed in on the 'generation' idea.

[@bassheadjazz2708]

Wynton drops some crazy bombs here, what a great interview

[@Dee6399]

Ain't nothing like "bombs" to get attention. Wynton is truth-telling music historically. (I just love him & Jon).

[@harriettpavonrosado5175]

"Amazing Grace" took me home. Beautiful rendition. Bless you for blessing me.

[@ibrahimmoss]

During these times, these talks are important. Hats off to Wynton. Brilliant historical insights.

[@JamesBlazen]

Batiste is every bit as accomplished as Wynton. The man is an amazing talent with complete mastery over the piano.

[@cooldude2847]

no one is as accomplished as Wynton

[@leojbramble]

indeed; bonafide master

[@marylanderson9239]

THANK YOU for "The Jazz Blues" needed this early morning at 230am in Alabama on Saturday April 2nd 2022-! Best of luck JON BATISTE piano finders extraordinaire, imo. JON deserves and earns every award he gets-! I so LOVE JON BATISTE'S magical master fingers ... a NEW ORLEANS original !

[@connieconway244]

Listening at 6:00AM on a Tuesday. So good

[@bekimveseli6265]

Long life to all good people,keep going on forward and please don't stop

[@phyllisnayak783]

Winton was always a gift to the world. It's just that the world is taking a while to be aware of that fact. His family really fostered his development. Then he & his b wonderful wife found that they complement how their souls complete their roles in the world's maturation of loving each other.

[@donngqoyi3516]

The two great artists switch. between words and music story telling so smoothly. Its a delight listening to them. Don

[@Vancuum]

Somebody hire Jon Batiste to arrange the star spangled banner for the super bowl!!!

[@ecclairmayo4153]

I was thinking the same, that was captivating!

[@portugezemonster]

what talent! and how good to know that there are still people who can recognize and appreciate such talent. real musicians making real music, for real aficianados.