For acclaimed musician, composer, and television personality Jon Batiste, India holds a special significance beyond just being another tour destination. As he prepares for his first-ever concerts in the country as part of his ‘Maestro Tour’, Batiste reveals that his connection to India began in his childhood in Louisiana. Even before achieving widespread recognition for his musical versatility, the 38-year-old artist was influenced by the sounds and rhythms of India, experienced through a neighbor who was born in India.
Recalling his early encounters with Indian culture, Batiste shared, “I was able to have an early exposure to Indian music and culture when I was growing up in Louisiana. My father had a friend, a neighbour, who was born in India. He would often host us at his home, or create events for Indian cultural appreciation and invite musicians from India.” This early exposure included seeing the tabla for the first time when he was around seven or eight years old, igniting his fascination with Indian music.
Batiste, who will be performing in Delhi on November 24 and Mumbai on November 26, described his upcoming performances as a “very special” moment. He expressed his inspiration from the prospect of being on stage alone with his piano for his Indian audience, acknowledging the profound nature of Indian culture.
He further elaborated on the deep connection between Indian classical music and jazz, noting the shared use of a foundational drone element. “Jazz and Indian classical music are interconnected in the use of drone. There’s a drone that underpins the music — the foundation. On top, there’s an expression based on melodies and ragas in India. And then you improvise. That’s what I incorporate without being explicit,” he explained.
Batiste highlighted the influence of Indian music on his rendition of “What a Wonderful World,” stating, “It was influenced by Indian music. Blending it with jazz gave the lyrics a different perspective. It’s important to play that piece in India, because the musical culture partially influenced it.”
Beyond his musical endeavors, Batiste also touched upon his departure from ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’, where he served as bandleader for seven years. He described the experience as the end of an era for his band, who were like family. Batiste views the show’s conclusion as a cultural loss, lamenting the current politicization of culture and emphasizing the need for unity, fair wages, and learning from diverse arts and cultures to achieve balance.