Description
Jon Batiste – Hollywood Africans – Double Vinyl Record
Released on September 28, 2018, Jon Batiste’s Hollywood Africans is a deeply personal and introspective album that pays tribute to the rich traditions of jazz, blues, and American roots music. Known for his versatility as a pianist, composer, and bandleader on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Batiste uses this album to explore his own musical heritage while offering a fresh and contemporary take on classic American styles.
The title Hollywood Africans is a reference to a 1983 painting by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a reflection on the contributions of African Americans to the arts and culture in the face of marginalization. Batiste’s album takes inspiration from this theme, drawing on the deep well of African American musical history while also showcasing his own unique voice and modern sensibilities. The result is an elegant fusion of jazz, blues, classical, and pop that showcases Batiste’s virtuosic piano playing and his ability to convey emotion through both instrumental and vocal performances.
Jon Batiste has long been celebrated for his wide-ranging musical talent, effortlessly moving between jazz, classical, gospel, and pop. Hailing from New Orleans, a city known for its deep musical roots, Batiste has always drawn inspiration from the musical traditions of his hometown. On Hollywood Africans, he channels these influences into a cohesive body of work that honors the past while looking toward the future.
The album was recorded in a stripped-down, acoustic setting, emphasizing Batiste’s piano and voice. Produced by T Bone Burnett, known for his work with artists like Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Hollywood Africans is a minimalist, intimate record that puts Batiste’s musicality front and center. The album’s title and themes suggest a reflection on the contributions of African Americans to American music and culture, with Batiste embracing his role as both a steward of this legacy and a contemporary artist forging his own path.
Hollywood Africans is defined by its simplicity and elegance. Most of the tracks feature just Batiste’s voice and piano, allowing the listener to focus on the emotion and intricacy of his performances. The album blends elements of traditional jazz and blues with pop sensibilities, creating a sound that feels timeless yet contemporary. Batiste’s mastery of the piano is the foundation of the record, with his playing ranging from virtuosic and expressive to subtle and understated.
The minimalist arrangements on Hollywood Africans give Batiste’s piano playing the spotlight. Tracks like \”Chopinesque\” and \”Green Hill Zone\” feature lush, intricate piano compositions that highlight Batiste’s classical training and jazz improvisational skills. His piano work provides both rhythmic drive and emotional texture, making each track feel intimate and dynamic.
Batiste’s love for traditional American music is evident throughout the album. Songs like \”Saint James Infirmary Blues\” and \”The Very Thought of You\” pay homage to classic blues and jazz standards, with Batiste offering modern interpretations that remain true to the spirit of the originals. His vocals are soulful and understated, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to shine through.
While rooted in jazz and blues, Hollywood Africans also incorporates elements of pop and soul. Tracks like \”Don\’t Stop\” and \”Is It Over\” feature catchy melodies and accessible structures that showcase Batiste’s ability to blend genres. These songs have a laid-back, almost conversational feel, with Batiste’s smooth vocals and piano work creating a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Thematically, Hollywood Africans is an album of reflection—on personal identity, musical heritage, and the human experience. Batiste uses both original compositions and covers to explore the complexities of love, loss, and resilience, while also celebrating the contributions of African Americans to American music and culture.
The album’s title and its references to classic American songs suggest a deep connection to the legacy of African American musicians. Batiste’s interpretations of standards like \”Saint James Infirmary Blues\” and \”What a Wonderful World\” nod to the contributions of artists like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, while Batiste’s original compositions offer a contemporary perspective on this rich heritage.
Several tracks on Hollywood Africans deal with themes of love and longing. Songs like \”The Very Thought of You\” and \”Is It Over\” capture the emotional highs and lows of romantic relationships, with Batiste’s soulful voice adding a layer of vulnerability and sincerity to the lyrics. The minimalist arrangements allow these emotional themes to take center stage, creating a sense of intimacy.
Despite the album’s introspective tone, there is also a sense of hope and resilience that runs throughout the record. The upbeat track \”Don\’t Stop\” is a testament to perseverance and positivity, with its catchy melody and motivational lyrics encouraging listeners to keep moving forward in the face of adversity.
Notable Tracks
\”Chopinesque\”: An instrumental track that showcases Batiste’s classical influences, \”Chopinesque\” is a beautiful, intricate piano composition that recalls the romanticism of Frédéric Chopin. Batiste’s deft touch on the piano and his ability to evoke emotion through melody make this one of the standout pieces on the album.
\”Saint James Infirmary Blues\”: Batiste’s version of this traditional blues song is stripped down and haunting, with his soulful vocals and minimalist piano accompaniment creating a sense of melancholy and reflection. The song’s narrative of loss and heartache resonates deeply, and Batiste’s interpretation honors its place in the canon of American music.
\”What a Wonderful World\”: Batiste delivers a tender and heartfelt rendition of this classic Louis Armstrong song. His simple piano arrangement and understated vocals allow the song’s timeless message of optimism and gratitude to shine through, making it a poignant moment on the album.
\”Don’t Stop\”: One of the more upbeat tracks on the album, \”Don’t Stop\” blends elements of pop and jazz to create a feel-good, motivational song. The catchy melody and positive lyrics encourage resilience and perseverance, adding a bright, uplifting energy to the record.
\”Green Hill Zone\”: Another instrumental track, \”Green Hill Zone\” is playful and melodic, showcasing Batiste’s ability to blend classical technique with jazz improvisation. The track’s lively tempo and intricate piano work make it one of the album’s more dynamic and engaging moments.
Hollywood Africans was widely praised by critics for its elegance, emotional depth, and Batiste’s ability to blend genres while remaining deeply connected to the roots of American music. Many applauded Batiste’s decision to strip back the production and focus on the piano and voice, allowing his talent as both a musician and storyteller to shine.
The album helped further cement Batiste’s status as one of the most versatile and innovative musicians of his generation, bridging the gap between traditional jazz and contemporary music. While Hollywood Africans is more introspective and subdued than some of Batiste’s other work, its quiet power and emotional resonance have made it a standout in his discography.
Hollywood Africans is a beautifully crafted album that showcases Jon Batiste’s deep connection to the history of jazz, blues, and American roots music. Through his virtuosic piano playing, soulful vocals, and thoughtful interpretations of classic songs, Batiste pays tribute to the African American musical legacy while also adding his own modern twist. The album’s minimalist arrangements and introspective themes create a sense of intimacy and reflection, making Hollywood Africans a deeply personal and emotional listening experience.
For fans of jazz, blues, and American roots music, Hollywood Africans is a must-listen, offering a masterclass in how to blend tradition with contemporary innovation.
Side D is etched with an image of a tree.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Kenner Boogie
What A Wonderful World
Chopinesque
Saint James Infirmary Blues
Nocturne No. 1 in D Minor
The Very Thought Of You
Green Hill Zone
Mr. Buddy
Is It Over
Smile
Don’t Stop
