New Orlean’s own Jon Batiste, perhaps most widely known as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s bandleader, cleaned up the 2022 Grammys with his album “We Are.” This album was written and recorded in the early days of the pandemic and as the George Floyd protests sparked around the country. Batiste captures decades of black art and culture reflecting his diverse home city and the issues facing Black Americans today. The self-titled track “We Are” also features a performance from St. Augustine High School Marching 100, Batiste’s alma-mater and performances from local artists Hot 8 Brass Band and Trombone Shorty. It’s a moving album that celebrates life like a second-line in Treme.
