Coming off his expansive, Grammy-nominated 2018 studio album
Hollywood Africans
,
Jon Batiste
offers the more intimate and swinging
Anatomy of Angels: Live at the Village Vanguard
. Recorded live in 2018 during
Batiste
's residency at the storied NYC-venue,
Anatomy of Angels
finds the pianist displaying his fluid jazz chops alongside his longtime
Stay Human
bandmates bassist
Philip Kuehn
and drummer
Joe Saylor
. As the high-profile bandleader on Late Night with Stephen Colbert,
has often showcased his eclectic funk, R&B, and even pop influences. Here, he shifts to a more traditional jazz sound that evokes his deep New Orleans roots and passion for the music of innovative bebop pianist
Thelonious Monk
. The opening trio original, "Creative," in particular evinces
Monk
as
kicks the song off with an angular, rhythmically dynamic intro before settling into a jaunty, mid-tempo groove. Similarly engaging is his rambling "Dusk Train to Doha," in which he launches into a cascading rubato intro before settling into the song's slow-burning and bluesy midsection.
also brings along a series of guests including
Lake Street Dive
singer
Rachael Price
, who pairs with the pianist for a dusky, urbane reading of
Ray Noble
's "The Very Thought of You." Later, he expands his trio to an octet with trumpeters
Giveton Gelin
and
Jon Lampley
, as well as saxophonists
Patrick Bartley
Tivon Pennicott
, for a dynamically robust ensemble performance of
's classic "Round Midnight." The same group also sticks around for a lively version of
's own modal-tinged title track. While
has long been recognized for his charisma and cross-pollinated sound, with
he spotlights his richly textured jazz chops. ~ Matt Collar