Jon Batiste Performs 'Saint James Infirmary Blues'

[@millerezra8]

"She ain't never gonna find another sharp dressing, piano playing man like me." Damn straight Jon

[@IsabelaFerreiraCoqueiral]

No one ever will ❤

[@MrStantheman1991]

I love that he starts out with Chopin and then moves into St. James! And then, he ends with Chopin. Brilliant!

[@ticthak]

I noticed the nocturne right away, also. Brilliant pastiche!

[@charliegotosleep]

That was so great! Confused me for a sec with the song title then I was like ahhhhh

[@evilcleaver]

The end with Chopin tends to be a traditional part of the arrangement

[@dianag2411]

The mastery that this requires is beyond his years. It is truly a blessing for mind and soul

[@bigf0ot25]

Was wondering where that was from. Thanks

[@hurricanestarang]

This is chilling. This is a sound not from this era, yet here played infront of us. Legendary music.

[@terradisiena]

Chilling is an apt description. Captivating too. It's the closest thing to Coltrane I've heard in contemporary music. What a unique performer.

[@Nigglebaun]

He is awesome.

[@schwab019]

Nailed the description.

[@g15to]

The original song is from from like the late 1920s, early 1930s I think but this slow dark performance is so chilling! Nailed it.

[@ChrisTheDocFoster]

That's because it's based on a piano piece by Chopin (Nocturne in C# minor)! Great performance though, don't get me wrong.

[@SAMZIRRA]

His fingers are floating over those keys. Wow, what a talent.

[@AwkwrdPrtMskrt]

He does press the keys.

[@telectronix1368]

2:40

[@SAMZIRRA]

@@telectronix1368 excellent time stamp 👍

[@cecileconoly4140]

A, can

[@lorrie2878]

His fingers are beautiful on the keys... 😍

[@williammitchell1804]

Jon Batiste is truly a great pianist and arranger. The thing I love about him is that he continues to hold on to his roots. His rendition of this dirge emphasizes its importance to the culture he grew up in. He is in great company with those southern musical giants that came before him.

[@capnmatt3230]

The Art of Flexing with Jon Batiste

[@theMad_Artist]

He's not showing off 🤦🤦🤦

[@PumpkinQueen1313]

@@theMad_Artist exactly. This performance is the result of pure talent + years of hard work and what now appears effortless for him is highly intimidating to anyone with musical aspirations.

[@JeremyAndersonBoise]

Leads in with some kind of crazy extended dominant chord I cannot identify, I was sold at two seconds in. Good gravy, what a performer.

[@heatherbleu5370]

Jeremy Anderson I was as well. I took a peek into his history and found that he was classically trained at Juilliard. Quite an accomplished gentleman.

[@M3T2W01f]

Chopin

[@heatherbleu5370]

Amer J. Is it? Do you know which one?

[@M3T2W01f]

On Hollywood Africans it's 'Chopinesque.' It's on KZbin!

[@heatherbleu5370]

Thanks so much! Happy Holidays xo

[@GensSancta]

I do love you Jon. Such beautiful music too. :) Perfect example of when you didn't choose the music, but the music chose you.

[@peterrawai4062]

India Bristol Well said

[@JoltYourLife]

for real! look at his album now!

[@hani9266]

This is officially my favorite song of all time. Jon Batiste you're a BEAST... of a musician.

[@cecileconoly4140]

Free

[@jasonrich4940]

Many, many versions of this old blues standard. This piece has pulled creativity from musicians across the last century. Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Eric Clapton, Janis Joplin, and the White Stripes are just a few of the artists who have made their own take of this wonder

[@nanfredman1991]

Holy Wow, I haven't heard blues that good in years. Gorgeous.

[@crunchking9931]

This is more of a jazz number not really blues I recommend you listen to the cab Calloway version

[@justkara2938]

Y'all know what Jon Batiste did? That.

[@hollydavid8403]

Wow

[@commenterperson4481]

Care to explain?

[@telectronix1368]

@Tea He did indeed.

[@1978Calamity]

#truth

[@capoeirastronaut]

@Crank Yanker Hoosedest did it mostest.

[@veecee3669]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for listening to all of us who have been asking for more Jon Batiste, what a talented treasure he is! Everyone, have a wonderful holiday, and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. 🎆

[@catelyntully9361]

Vee Cee, Wishing you and your beloved a relaxed and (breathe deeply) lovely holiday. (Breathe again.) When there is nothing else to do, listen to Jon Batiste's album, and keep breathing. Xo to you and yours

[@veecee3669]

Shelly van den Heuvel Thank you for taking the time to reply, wishing you all the best as well! Yes, deep, deep breaths are definitely needed this time of the year. Especially this year! 😊

[@TheMetalTempestYT]

They waste Jon's inclusion in the show! The most beloved talk show hosts have a really killer side-kick. He's a genuinely funny guy! Having to just hit a key when Colbert throws something or just go "OOO! I see what ya did there!" or "COLD BLOODDEEEEDDD" seems like a waste, lol. I hope he gets included more throughout time. He's talented, and really funny!

[@MelissaChapin]

Couldn't agree more! Point dialogue his way, give him field pieces. Future audiences will ask why he wasn't treated as the equal to the times that he so clearly is.

[@itgetter9]

I agree, but don't forget: He's hitting his own jokes, to the tuned-in listener. It's in the music he chooses to play. He's been adding a lot, in my opinion.

[@lorrie2878]

I really enjoy Jon. I am not a jazz aficionado. I feel his input is less than it should or could be. But his music and band are amazing. Have you seen where he and Stephen Jon's hometown?

[@NA12495]

Jon is probably playing his cards being on the show. Also, if you go live you might hear more. Go to his KZbin channel.

[@homodeus8713]

@@itgetter9 💯 Nuanced and I’m sure he’s paying the bills ok and getting exposure! Now he’s won a Grammy!

[@MsMelyjean]

Love a sharp dressed piano playing man. 😊

[@jimsvideos7201]

There's a story that a fan approached Fritz Kreisler after a performance and said, "My dear Kreisler, I'd give my life to play like that." To which he replied, "Madam, I did."

[@westoeden]

Damn, that was amazing.

[@SAMZIRRA]

I have heard that too. 😀 That's the same thing Itell people about my artwork.

[@ChristinaGina]

Dark, but true. A soul is a high price to pay...

[@milesroyce6395]

I thought that was Heifetz? Maybe I'm wrong though.

[@JohnDoe-po3ku]

@@SAMZIRRA how humble

[@jabberwocky7964]

A beautiful rendition of an awesome Cab Calloway tune. Simply beautiful. He's so talented.

[@mockturtlesuppe]

One of my favorite blues songs. Perhaps one of my favorite songs, period. So sweet, so cold, so perfectly suited for a wide range of hauntingly beautiful interpretations.

[@artleta1]

Hugh Laurie does an excellent rendition. Check it out

[@mockturtlesuppe]

@@artleta1 Ha, yes! I don't remember posting this, but I'm actually a big fan of Hugh Laurie in general and was already very fond of his version!

[@Nigglebaun]

This guy has mad talent.

[@Kreln1221]

Unlike many contemporary performers, his soulfulness isn't artificially exaggerated. It's tastefully subtle and sublime...

[@ryannicholas554]

his voice is so smooth. To be talented on the keys and can sing is amazing

[@iceborn698]

The most beautiful I have heard in years. Feels good.

[@gabrielgc2022ch]

One word describes: AWESOME!!

[@NissNissFisk]

As Jon Batiste would say: AH-AH-AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

[@heatherbleu5370]

My heart felt that.

[@nikkarter5578]

That was me😎

[@heatherbleu5370]

Nik Karter Stud;)

[@spotieotie]

Same dude. Same.

[@AsFewFalseThingsAsPossible]

Bowie

[@dinaosullivan3381]

He is perfection, adorably cue and an amazing human beigen.A Louisiana native.

[@marlonpenn]

Jon, keep spreading your music all over the globe. Feeling this blues all the way in Europe. You're doing great things, my man.

[@Marisa4412]

Mr. Jon, I am from Mexico but lived in New Orleans a few years, but this is the mos beautiful blues I have heard, you touched my soul

[@neilh9442]

If he keeps up with these performances, the secret of him slumming his world class talent out for a TV show will be out. Folks this is as close your gonna get in 2018 to seeing a Louis Armstong-class of Talent from 'Nawlins. Bravo!

[@RobertSlover]

james booker would be proud. beautiful arrangement with the classical and jazz gumbo of love.

[@gregvondare]

Not just a virtuoso performance on the keyboard, but a beautiful deep and unique vocal as well. JB, you got the Big Bend all over you! Love hearing this NO classic given new life by such a fine musician.

[@Jodus_MacGotuss]

Haunting, chilling, and bluesy all at the same time

[@Crushenator500]

Holy shit. What a talent. He's seriously underutilized in the late show house band.

[@FasterFaster196]

I agree. I hope he's getting paid massive money to do that. He's too great a talent to be a sidekick band leader.

[@1969madame]

@@FasterFaster196 He left the show in August 2022.

[@d.e.b.b5788]

It payed the bills. Most musicians struggle financially all their lives. Stephen Colbert gave him the ultimate freedom to finally get out there and perform, where the world would see him, to the benefit of all of us. Wonderful music.

[@chinookvalley]

I grew up in Louisiana listening to the blues. This man knows his bizness.

[@AlexBeEditing]

Sometimes I forget why this guy is on the show, then I see his work and I shut my goddamn mouth.

[@Nevertoyoung20]

Axel McDoo hilarious lol

[@MeriamH.]

I love this comment! 😂

[@Sumatra77]

😂😂😂😂

[@friendofphi]

Talent and your occasional well timed "Cold blooded"

[@millerezra8]

I love Stephen but sometimes I wish he'd shut up and let Jon play more

[@3ennis]

If anyone throws me a funeral, I want this version of this song played at it. Until then I'll continue to be enchanted, moved by it while still alive. Gorgeous.

[@healingasthmaacasestudy9851]

What a great interpretation of Chopin’s nocturne at the beginning. Loved it!

[@bleueviolette4549]

This is how I discovered the love of piano music - listening to Jon Batist play a song about a dead woman "lying on a long white table..."

[@IsaDesOsiers]

I adore Jon Baptiste, who I would barely know of without The Late Show, so thank you Stephen Colbert. I almost miss this performance. After watching the Auld Lang Sang performance I fell upon this. I think he should be more often showcased. This is incredible. And he is so gorgeous too.

[@charlesboyle9223]

I love the Louis Armstrong version of this song. This is beautiful. Thank you so much.

[@nooneyoucaretoknow6986]

Give the version by Hugh 'House' Laurie.

[@scottstewart5784]

@@nooneyoucaretoknow6986 For grins, try the White Stripe's version. It may not be your cup of tea, bt it is an interesting take on the song.

[@charlesboyle9223]

Thanks,guys, I'll check those versions out.

[@nooneyoucaretoknow6986]

@@scottstewart5784 For sure, l will look it up. Part of music's beauty is the variety.

[@scottstewart5784]

@@nooneyoucaretoknow6986 Cool! Some of the live versions are pretty out there. The original release studio version is my favorite.

[@ChristinaGina]

This generation needs more artists like this. Quit the autotune.

[@maximedufour5132]

love that chopin he adds to his songs

[@Czelsc]

man, let me just say, growing up in the house of blues & classical i've heard many versions of this song in my life time and this is has to be one of the best. i'm not an expert or anything, just the musical family. 20 years on cello myself. this is just, so very well done. cheers.

[@jasonclark8762]

Astounding version. The opening the flourish, the dirge, the runs, the closing allusion.

[@laurelwelch6295]

One of my favorite blues songs and Jon's rendition is truly amazing!

[@lolalee7479]

What a talent...Colbert is lucky to have Jon Batiste!

[@MarkShepard]

Oh My God! Fabulous! MUST LISTEN WITH GOOD HEADPHONES. ACTUAL MUSIC! subtleties, nuances, textures, timbre, phrasing, MORE JON BATISTE PLEASE!

[@Guitargoddess843]

*mesmerized by John's hands as he plays* and his voice *ooooooof* he is seriously such an amazing musician and I'm so glad we get to hear him not just in the show, but in some individual musical segments in the "guest musician" slot. It's such an honor and such a treat to have him in late night. He can do the funny and he is a MASTER of the soulful ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jenniferrazon5057]

What a priviledge to have met you in Toronto when you were with Roy Hargrove's Big Band. Exact words he told me was you were the whole band. 👍👍👍😎😎😎

[@JT-xh1ih]

One of my favorite songs of all time. Now one of my favorite renditions of all time. So so great.

[@bluewhiteandgreenproductio8207]

It's impossible to stop listening to this magical performance

[@ignaciowarro5129]

Long live the King Jon Batiste..!!!! My father would have LOVED to hear his music, I for one love the class, the elegance behind this music. Ooof.. sipping on fine scotch to this.. what a evening.

[@errorflynn5321]

I'm speechless. Bravo Jon, you light the way, man.

[@manuelahrasky8472]

Beautiful! Amazing interpretation of a fabulous song. And those long, elegant fingers working their magic! Thank you!

[@gwendolynsultan-sudan4720]

So beautifully sung&played love how his fingers went over the Keys....yes so Royally Performed Loved It.

[@CLHLC]

On my funeral... please arrange Mr. Batiste to play the piano.. whatever the cost.

[@heatherbleu5370]

CLHLC Noted.

[@petecartwright5211]

And, who wouldn't have guessed his voice is as polished as his playing... Jesus Christ...the talent, natural and trained, just pours from the guy. Fantastic version.

[@mariaashot5648]

That's some seriously gorgeous Serious music.... A tonic for the soul. Thank you so much for the blessing of this gift!

[@jazzjudy]

Magical gifted genius~

[@active85858585]

An emotive take on such a timeless song.

[@louiseroman1145]

So great and loved the background singers, talk about subtle.

[@1978Calamity]

I could listen to him play 24/7. He is a master pianist.

[@1969madame]

OMG!!!! Chills and tears. I love you Jon Batiste.

[@jcspider7259]

H O L Y S H I T that was beautiful. Gonna go get the album now. On top of the amazing music he makes, this man has a truly stunning profile.

[@katerinakaterin]

this guy combined a Chopin classic with legendary st james infirmary, magical moment, a series (True Detective 3) couldn't have ended better, musically speaking , cannot not love him

[@victoriaeads6126]

I LOVE this album. I have it on vinyl, and It. Is. Amazing. Jon Batiste, sir, you are Sincerely talented. Please, I only ask for you to give us more of your Music. Your Music improves the world. I'm happy to repay you in hope and deep respect.

[@Milgali]

Super Reprise d‘ Armstrong avec l entrée de Nocturne de Chopin en C Sharp Minor😲... Magnifique!!!

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Man, JB can play the blues like nobody else. That swing feel, the articulations, wide open and transparent. Chilling.

[@hawkeyetokyo3692]

Speechless, This man is surfing the wave up in the sky.

[@lagal73]

Sad and quite beautiful. Thanks, Jon.

[@itgetter9]

This is one of my favorite songs, and all I gotta say is: Damn, Jon Batiste!!!! Absolutely brilliant.

[@Suehuskins]

The man is amazing! Love piano players.

[@CapnBlood]

So glad for your success and Grammy nomination, Jon! More segments like this and when you interview the jazz legends left standing ^_^

[@srfotog]

I know something is great when I get goosebumps in the first few bars.

[@SamuraiFanoCat]

Great voice, amazing talent. Would love to see more interaction between him and Stephen, though! Dude’s got some killer one-liners at times.

[@emills767]

100% think the same thing all the time!

[@keeshabrown7353]

Just his impromptu laughs crack me up. They are contagious!

[@SamuraiFanoCat]

Blackfalk I meant “remarks”, my bad dude. 13 hour shift, late at night, my brain doesn’t really comply after that XD

[@kennet7837]

@Blackfalk He said "all the black ones" when referring to his piano tangents he played after Stephen made a joke related to race (I forget exactly what it was).

[@DAS1962]

This was flawless - And what would Catholic Stephen add to this performance or any other? Stephen's contribution to this piece would be belittling and pointless

[@paintedpony2935]

I'm so glad SC finally showcased him. What a talent!

[@janetbrown6301]

Just found out he’s a graduate from my son’s high school, St. Augustine High School, in New Orleans. One of four nominated for Grammys this year.

[@HenrykLasVegas40]

Blues "St. James Infirmary" Jon begins with a sonata in B flat minor by Frederic Chopen (the so-called Funeral March), after a few chords of this sonata he moves to the complete composition "St. James Infirmary Blues" which he performs fully ending this piece - as he started - with Chopen. Excellent! Brilliant! Magic, beauty, pure poetry and perfection of a pianist who is a huge fan of Chopen and undoubtedly strongly influenced by him.

[@1969madame]

*Chopin

[@MultiDianeD]

I has the pleasure of seeing him last year at the Newport Jazz Festival. Sooo talented.

[@rlwalker2]

Incredible musician. I'm always glad when he gets to be featured in a song.

[@stevenlane6963]

I didn't know Stephen Colbert side kick could 'play the piano like that, What a performance!!'

[@TheKasd3]

Hot damn!!! So much skill and talent and musical instinct all in one person!!

[@GHarold]

He makes me want to play the piano again...to command that level of emotion with sound...what a gift

[@cathyleatherman3097]

Always perfection

[@mushiArt]

Down to the root Soul, born in a piano playin’ body with those long magical fingers.

[@markharrisllb]

What a superb interpretation of this classic. It must be at least 100 years old this song and he made it sound brand new.

[@ANGELGAINES-w8d]

The piano playing is absolutely beautiful

[@chichiriley7969]

Well Done Jon! Love from New Orleans!

[@watchtyme]

Jon has the true heart & Soul to sing and play this song; was made for him to sing.

[@rashadnagi7531]

That's an awesome rendition of St. James infirmary, so smooth.

[@1tigerbee]

Beautiful

[@shelleyvanelli6749]

Shivers. He is so talented. Love John!!!!!♥️

[@dickieOiRed_07]

Jon Batiste. Man, it doesn't get better than that.

[@cloveravery85]

Gives me chills down my spine. Love from Australia. xxx

[@fredbenjamin7072]

John Batiste is a treasure. We are so very fortunate to hear his heavenly music. Thank you, John!

[@eowyndernhelme]

Damn. that is so sweet and bitter. Called tickling the keys. Most excellent, Mr. Batiste.

[@michaelquestion103]

one of my fav blues tunes, nice job Jon

[@timrompel4409]

this hit home ...I was in New Orleans Charity Hospital in the early 80's ....3 months..................

[@kellymichaels3568]

Brilliance, thy name is John Baptiste!

[@genevievechoghari5987]

💕 I can’t get enough of this man….Mr.John Batiste

[@DarossTheGreat]

Mind Blown

[@felipem5445]

Love the Chopin nocturne improv at intro. Killer!!