Fresh Air
Best Of: Jon Batiste's 'Beethoven Blues' / Visual Artist Mickalene Thomas
Dec 14, 2024
Musician Jon Batiste, known for his work on The Late Show, shares his innovative interpretations of Beethoven in his new album, Beethoven Blues. He discusses the intersection of classical music and blues, revealing personal insights influenced by his wife's health journey. Visual artist Mickalene Thomas showcases her powerful exhibition celebrating Black women, addressing themes of race and femininity. Book critic Maureen Corrigan recommends some of the year’s best reads, adding a literary touch to this engaging cultural conversation.
47:44
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Quick takeaways
- Jon Batiste's 'Beethoven Blues' creatively reinterprets classical music through contemporary influences, highlighting the rhythmic connections between Beethoven and African rhythms.
- Mickalene Thomas's exhibition 'All About Love' empowers Black women by showcasing their beauty and complexity, challenging historical stereotypes in art.
Deep dives
John Batiste's Musical Journey and New Album
John Batiste, renowned for his diverse musical talent, reflects on his journey from leading the band on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' to garnering multiple Grammy nominations and awards. His album, 'We Are,' achieved five Grammys and illustrates his multifaceted artistry, blending jazz, classical, R&B, and more. In his latest project, 'Beethoven Blues,' Batiste reinterprets Beethoven's compositions through a contemporary lens, highlighting their connection to the blues. He emphasizes the rhythmic similarities between Beethoven's works and African rhythms, revealing a rich, interconnected musical legacy that spans centuries.
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