LIVE: Jon Batiste & Stay Human @ Zankel Music Center, 7/6/17

Review and photographs by Rudy Lu

The Skidmore Jazz Institute celebrated its 30th anniversary in a big way, hosting a benefit concert on its own behalf featuring alumnus Jon Batiste and his band Stay Human at Skidmore College’s Zankel Music Center in Saratoga Springs.

Batiste – who is the bandleader for CBS-TV’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” – displayed his versatility and showmanship by playing all manner of keyboards, ranging from a traditional grand piano to an organ to a melodica. Fellow alum Joe Saylor sat behind a drum kit for much of the set, but also showcased some virtuoso tambourine playing, frequently dueling with Louis Cato, who also played a stand-up bass for the performance.

Batiste gave plenty of breathing room for his bandmates to strut their stuff. Tenor Saxophonist Patrick Brantley and guest alto player Louis Fouche both soaked up the spotlight with numerous sparkling solos. Meanwhile, Corey Wilcox on trombone and Ibanda Ruhumibka on tuba provided color and rhythm to the band’s wide-ranging sound.

And in traditional New Orleans fashion, the band’s second-line forays into the audience were a delight to all.

This was certainly a great way to celebrate the 30th year and kick off the next 30….

GO HERE to see more of Rudy Lu’s photographs of this concert…

SECOND OPINIONS
Susan Brink’s review and Andrzej Pilarczyk’s photographs at Saratoga Living