Concert Reviews
At the Orpheum on Saturday, the former leader of Colbert’s band led a joyous singalong.
Jon Batiste, in a performance at the Orpheum Theatre on Saturday night, truly shone. Captured beautifully by Josh Reynolds for The Boston Globe, the evening was unforgettable.
Jon Batiste’s Show at the Orpheum, Saturday
“I feel good, I feel free, I feel fine just being me, I feel good today.” These were the opening lyrics Jon Batiste chose to share with his audience at the Orpheum on Saturday. And for someone like Batiste, these words come effortlessly.
His rise to fame was marked by his nightly appearances as the bandleader on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.” His talent has been recognized with an Oscar and five Grammys, including the Album Of The Year for “We Are” in 2021. Batiste is a musical genius who managed to sell out the Orpheum. It might seem like he’s on an incredible winning streak, but perhaps, this is simply who Batiste is. It’s no surprise he’s feeling good.
Yet, it might be that his accolades don’t fully capture why watching him perform is so special. There seems to be no one who finds as much pure joy in music as Jon Batiste does. His entrance was marked by smiles and dance moves, setting the tone for a night dedicated to spreading happiness. This was evident in songs like “On The Sunny Side Of The Street,” where the music’s laid-back vibe was palpable.
Even when touching on darker themes, like in “Raindance,” the focus quickly shifted to overcoming and moving past them. It was almost expected when he delivered a gospel-funk version of “If You’re Happy And You Know It,” inviting the audience to join in with claps and stomps.
Batiste’s mission seemed to be not just to revel in joy himself or to celebrate it, but to share it, inspiring his audience like a preacher during a sermon. His performance of “Kenner Boogie” on the piano was electrifying, especially when he got the audience to clap along, a testament to his incredible skill.
The crowd was fully engaged, participating in chants during “Worship,” and when the energy seemed to dip, Batiste was there to guide them back. The serene atmosphere during “Butterfly,” with soft drum taps and gentle synth bass, was like a moment of reflection in church.
Despite the communal vibe, Batiste’s unique talent was undeniable. He showcased his versatility by playing various instruments throughout the night. His solo piano medley was a highlight, seamlessly blending different genres and songs, from Sam Cooke to Taylor Swift, and even a touch of classical music.
As the night neared its end, Batiste acknowledged the time limit but chose to keep playing, asking for “One more?” after each song. The finale saw him and his band performing “I’m From Kenner” as they made their way through the audience to the balcony, ending with a communal singalong of “You Are My Sunshine.”
Setlist for Jon Batiste at the Orpheum, March 16, 2024
The setlist was a mix of original songs and covers, showcasing Batiste’s wide-ranging musical influences and talents.
For more insights and updates, Marc Hirsh can be reached at [email protected] or on Bluesky @spacecitymarc.bsky.social.
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This reimagined article captures the essence of Jon Batiste’s performance at the Orpheum, highlighting his musical prowess, the joyous atmosphere of the concert, and the setlist that spanned various genres and covers.