Jon Batiste
March 13th, 2024
Mtelus, Montreal QC
Canadian Beats Passport
Tonight, American pop-jazz singer Jon Batiste played a fiery set in Montreal! Fresh off a performance at the Oscars (where he was nominated for Best Original Song, he embarked on the Uneasy Tour, with a stop at Massey Hall on Tuesday, and Montreal tonight!
No opener needed to set the tone, as the crowd was already at 100% the moment he stepped onstage! From the opening notes of TELL THE TRUTH, followed by the oh-so catching FREEDOM, we knew we were in for something special! With an undeniable charisma, unwavering energy, and a contagious smile that lights up the whole room, Jon brought impeccable vibes. “We are here to bring love, and feel love, and everyone in this room needs to dance” he said at some point. And dance they did, all the way through the show ending with an unconventional encore that had the band parading through the venue!
The setlist was a great mix from 2023 release World Music Radio (nominated for an Album of the Year Grammy), 2021’s WE ARE (which won for that same Grammy), and a wide variety of covers! Jon Batiste’s musical range is unmatched, at times serenading the audience with his unique voice, at times bringing us right in the middle of a packed New Orleans jazz club!
The night was absolutely impeccable, and it was impossible for even the grumpiest of audience members to leave without a smile from ear-to-ear! If memory serves us right, this was Batiste’s first visit to Montreal, and we sure hope it won’t be the last (Jazz Festival future headliner, anyone?)!
Jon Batiste
