Grammy and Oscar-winning singer and musician Jon Batiste has delivered his ninth studio album, BIG MONEY, via Verve Records.
At first glance, the album’s title may suggest it’s laden with songs that lavish in one’s riches, but to know Jon Batiste is to know his music dives deeper beyond the surface.
“This album is a statement regarding humanity, capitalism, Americana, the inner child and the irony of faith,” he explained.
“Written and recorded mostly live in single takes over two weeks, the album captures the raw immediacy of this moment for me. Collective creative expression draws on the roots of our earliest music in this country as a communal power.”
BIG MONEY opens with “Lean On My Love,” a sweet duet with Andra Day that has hints of Stevie Wonder‘s “You Are The Sunshine of My Life” and Al Green‘s “Love and Happiness” – both released in 1972. Here, Batiste and Day harmonize about being a source of support for someone special — a spouse, a friend, a family member, a neighbor. It underscores that reassuring feeling that you don’t have to go through anything alone: “If ever you fall, you can lean on my love.”
The official music video for “Lean On My Love” was filmed in Altadena, California, at Victory Bible Church with Day’s community. It symbolizes “an offering of hope and community, and a portrait of the resilience and nobility of those who lost their homes and were impacted by the fires.”
“Do It All Again,” another heartwarming ballad, feels like a B-side to “Lean On My Love” in the most pleasant way. Here, Batiste sings about loving a partner with no regrets. “There’s no need to pretend / When it comes to you, I’d do it all again.”
The piano-laden “Lonely Avenue,” featuring Randy Newman, is probably one of the more raw moments on the album, simply because it was recorded in one take at Newman’s piano with a handheld recorder.
According to press materials, the two spent time discussing everything from life, family and music. It led to them coming together to cover Doc Pomus’ classic, which Ray Charles popularized in the late ’50s. “Ray is my patron saint,” Batiste stated. “Just as the BIG MONEY songs are in conversation with each other, I’m in conversation with Randy and Ray.”
“Petrichor” sounds the alarm on the planet being depleted of its natural resources, while seeking divine intervention. Lines like “They burnin’ the planet down” and “Losing our minerals, criminal mineral / Help me Lord” drive the message home.
With nine solid tracks, Batiste makes every dollar count on BIG MONEY — and there’s no spare change.
BIG MONEY was preceded by the lead single and title track, which features background vocals from Sam Cooke’s granddaughters, The Womack Sisters.
“This is the circus of love. Under our tent, there is revival and joy. You don’t lose your soul—you gain it. When Mama says, ‘Don’t be a dummy, everybody chasing that BIG MONEY,’ Mama is pushing you—while warning you. It cuts both ways,” Batiste explained about the song.
BIG MONEY follows Batiste’s 2024 album, Beethoven Blues, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Classical Albums chart. The solo piano set featured the New Orleans native’s interpolations of Beethoven’s most iconic numbers.
Before that, he released his original album World Music Radio in 2023. It included collaborations with artists from around the globe, including Lil Wayne, Lana Del Rey, JID, NewJeans, Camilo, Leigh-Anne, and more.
Stream Jon Batiste’s new album BIG MONEY below and see his upcoming tour dates at jonbatiste.com.
