Another year, another Jon Batiste album! Jon Batiste is making a BIG return announcing the release of his ninth studio album, BIG MONEY, coming out August 22 via Verve/Interscope, the follow-up to 2024’s Beethoven Blues, Batiste’s first classical album.
With BIG MONEY, Batiste presents a genre-bending musical effort exploring themes of humanity and capitalism in America. Recorded within a two-week time span, the album was co-produced by Batiste and his longtime collaborator Dion “No ID” Wilson and features guest appearances from Andra Day, Randy Newman and The Womack Sisters, an up-and-coming trio consisting of the granddaughters of the legendary Sam Cooke.
BIG MONEY is also Batiste’s bold move to create a new genre of Americana music for a new generation, New Americana, that mixes blues, soul, reggae, gospel, balladry coupled with Batiste’s New Orleans roots.
“This is the circus of love. Under our tent there is revival and joy,” Batiste says describing the album. “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.”
BIG MONEY is preceded by the first single of the same name followed by the second single, “LONELY AVENUE” feat. composer and singer Randy Newman. Batiste will kick off the album release with a headlining tour across America, The BIG MONEY Tour: Jon Batiste Plays America, starting in Kansas City, Missouri on August 27.
BIG MONEY comes out on August 22, for tour dates visit jonbatiste.com. Tune in to jazz.fm91 on August 22 at 9PM EST for an exclusive interview with Ronnie Littlejohn on Gumbo Kitchen.
