201 Comments
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Swaz's avatar

Love Jon Batiste! He is brilliant!

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John Smith's avatar

Beautiful! Wonderful! Thank you!

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Lynell(VA by way of MD&DC)'s avatar

Late to the party but so happy that I caught this Smile Train bus. Thanks, Dan and Elliot!

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Susan H Dorfman's avatar

Oh my, what a lesson in music and in life. Thank you for posting.

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Susan Reavis's avatar

I think Jon Batiste is the highest quality performer I’ve ever seen. One can tell when he plays that he is extremely knowledgeable about music and his instruments. And on top of that, he’s so creative and expressive. He’s nothing short of amazing!!!

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Brian Lauder's avatar

After watching the the Grammys and hearing Freedom basically all I could feel was happy. It’s a very simple uplifting song with John just enjoying himself dancing a very different kind of disjointed dance but so inclusive with the rest of the dancers too. It’s great to see and hear in these somewhat disjointed times we are living in.

Brian Lauder

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Edie Babbe's avatar

I very much enjoyed your post with video links. Very fun! Looking forward to the next one.

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Anne Colburn's avatar

Thank you Dan. That just made my day. So beautiful.

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V Worden's avatar

Wow! Another example of how so many can be drawn together by music. As always, Mr. Rather, I learned something. All the renditions were wonderful!

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Diana Davis's avatar

Just WoW.....every link was awesome....shared with my special peeps...Just Thanks

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Debra Rose's avatar

First if all, thank you Dan Rather for sharing the truth throughout my childhood and still a warrior and sage for truth throughout my grandchildren's childhood. I so love you and Jon Batiste so this is a special day for me! My go to is 'What a Wonderful World' in concert. The moment the conductor looks at Batiste's playing his solo is precious. It was my go-to during the pandemic to raise my spirits and put life in perspective. Please enjoy 'What A Wonderful World', and thank you all.

https://youtu.be/8aJcmZR6Ias

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Susan H Dorfman's avatar

Just listened. Thank you. Jon Batiste is a master.

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Laurie's avatar

Thank you. Also Crosby, Stills, Nash cover. Loved this.

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Marie S.'s avatar

Mr. Rather, you have consistently been a blessing to my life. Thank you.

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virginia arthur's avatar

Thank you Mr. Rather. What a wonderful Saturday you gave me! I was a 15 year old teenage girl again watching the Beetles live for the first time! I also learned of a magnificent young talent, Jon Batiste. I went on every link that you gave us. What a delight! I really needed this after this horrible week in the U S and in the war in Ukraine. I have my balance back. Thank you.

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Richard B's avatar

He’s a lovely artist there is no doubt. And yet I stand by every syllable of my remarks. I play piano for a living and I’d say he is easily the most overrated artist I can ever remember in my field. Again, before you go down this road, have you heard the versions of blackbird I mentioned? Batiste’s work is utterly pedestrian in comparison.

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Ariel T. Friesner's avatar

Can you acknowledge that Jon Batiste demonstrates uncommon intelligence, maturity, humility and humor in his "Commencement Address," posted online by Salve Regina 5-21-17? Do you find his performance of "Wonderful World," posted on YouTube by Quincy Jones 7-22-16, to be pedestrian or can you acknowledge that Batiste channels God's energy? Why not post a link to your piano performance so that we might evaluate your qualifications as a music critic, and so we might understand your perspective?

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Richard B's avatar

Sheesh. God help the people in your life that deign to disagree with you on some little thing

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Ariel T. Friesner's avatar

So ask God to help you to stand by every syllable of your remarks that Batiste is a nothing, the most overrated artist in your field (of jazz or pianists?). How many years and at which venues have you played piano for a living? (On the street with a tip jar?) What college degrees do you have to match Batiste's two Juilliard degrees? I doubt that Jacob Collier and Bobby McFerrin would say that Batiste's performance of "Blackbird" is utterly pedestrian in comparison to theirs. Paul McCartney, too, would probably like for you to post a link to your nonpedestrian performance of "Blackbird." Knock yourself out.

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Richard B's avatar

I find you intensely bigoted. Throwing the word ordinary as if it were a slur. Most of us are ordinary. I’m ordinary and live a fine life and have a fine career being my own unique version of ordinary. Batiste is in very good company. By the way you utterly misrepresent what I said about him. I always call him a lovely talented man. Shame on you. Find a different windmill to shake your fist at

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Margaret's avatar

Everyone has there own opinion, and all opinions should be considered. I disagree with yours but you have the right to it.

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Holly's avatar

Again, nominated for 11 Grammy awards, won 5...clearly the majority believe he is extremely talented. Not to mention he is such a kind, uplifting, and extraordinary human being. ✌️

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Richard B's avatar

It’s a lovely world. In my opinion every one of us is exactly right. The only low road is someone making an accusation of low road to a person expressing an honest opinion

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Margaret's avatar

I disagree, the low road is taking umbrage when people disagree with what you are saying, honest opinion or not. Because we are expressing our opinions. When someone does that, I wonder if they have other reasons to dislike the person they are talking about?

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Richard B's avatar

Exactly. I do wonder about the motivations of the person who accused me of taking a low road merely for expressing a routine sentiment

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Margaret's avatar

If that is your take on my comment, sure, why not. After all it is your opinion.

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Barb Spratt's avatar

Sad you couldn't have taken the "higher road" ....."if you can't say something nice, please just say nothing at all"........

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Holly's avatar

Amen to that! 🙏

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JustRaven's avatar

Beautiful cover. A post to save and revisit. 💜 Thank you!!

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