Skip to Content

Jon Batiste’s ‘Beethoven Blues’ transforms classical works into unique blues and gospel renditions

KTVZ - NewsChannel 21

AP Music Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — When Grammy-award winner Jon Batiste was a kid, say, 9 or 10 years old, he moved between musical worlds. He’d participate in local classical piano competitions by day, then was “gigging in night haunts in the heart of New Orleans.” On Nov. 15, Batiste will release his first ever album of solo piano work, a collection of 11 songs that transform canonized classical music into the blues and gospel. Titled “Beethoven Blues,” Batiste collaborates, in a way, with Beethoven, reimagining these instantly recognizable works into something fluid. They were written through a process he calls “spontaneous composition,” and live — no two performances will be the same.

Article Topic Follows: AP National News

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KTVZ NewsChannel 21 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content