Louisiana local Jon Batiste brings his roots to the front as he plays his piano and sings in a variety of settings for this well produced album. His touch on the piano is filled with Louisiana Red Clay, as on the full fisted 8 to the bar “ Kenner Boogie” is genteel and whimsical while striding through “Green Hill Zone” and a gloriously ragtime’d “Nocturne No. 1 in D Minor.” Even his solo read of “Smile” includes a dash of 33 1/3 rpm vinyl hiss for extra effect, while he is comfy and churchy on “ What A Wonderful World.”
Vocally, he is intimate on a Satie-esque “The Very Thought Of You” and wonderfully foreboding on the dirge-like take of “St. James Infirmary Blues” with passion along with a chorus for “Is It Over.” If this guy comes to town, grab a beignet and head on out to see him.