Jon Batiste
Beethoven Blues
***and1/2 out of *****
Coming off the back of two major pop releases (World Music Radio, WE ARE) Jon Batiste retreats slightly to his foundations, classical music and the Blues as he mixes up Beethoven with his own style throughout the aptly named Beethoven's Blues Vol 1.
The title basically says it all with this offering from the ultra talented Batiste. From the opening notes of "Für Elise - Batiste" you get exactly what he is shooting for with this album. The classic Beethoven lines are mixed with solo piano blues chord from Batiste and the feeling becomes a natural extension of the original song. This happens again and again throughout the album with certain songs matching up very well with new added parts.
Two of the best to these ears are when Batiste puts extra energy into the legends tunes. "Symphony No. 5 Stomp" moves from the well known progressions that can be overbearing and dramatic to Batiste's injections of lighthearted blues (and excited yelps) that balance things out wonderfully, breathing new life into a classic. The most upbeat playing comes in during "Waldstein Wobble" which runs with fiery energy as Batiste jumps up and down the keys.
The most complete offering that works wonders is "5th Symphony In Congo Square". The reimagined tune finds Batiste playing with the original while dropping in touches of soul, R&B, and more throughout his passionate playing. Making the piano speak to a host of various influences is just one of Batiste great gifts, and it shines brightest on this track.
More laid back are the formal "Moonlight Sonata Blues" and "Dusklight Movement" which stay dramatic, cool, reserved and contemplative. The delicate "American Symphony Theme" is an easy flowing effort while "Ode To Joyful" is sweet and soft. Less successful is "7th Symphony Elegy" whose ideas seem to clash and closer "Für Elise-Reverie" whose over fifteen minute run time never hits the creative or dramatic heights one hopes for.
Overall however, the idea is a good one and Jon Batiste delivers what he sets out to with Beethoven's Blues Vol 1. A strong collection of a past masters works melded and modern legend in the making's talented playing.
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