Jon Batiste in conversation

This Friday night, Soweto is joined by the multi award-winning multi-instrumentalist and composer Jon Batiste. A highly prolific composer and performer, his genre-defying work spans jazz, soul, R&B, classical and pop. A New Orleans native from the renowned Batiste family of musicians, he rose to prominence as bandleader of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and has since won five Grammy Awards for his musically expansive compositions.

Jon's recording and performance credits include with Stevie Wonder, Prince, Lenny Kravitz, and Roy Hargrove, and his film credits include as the co-composer of Pixar’s animated film "Soul".

Sitting down for a conversation around Jon's three brand new albums - Black Mozart, Monk Meditations and Monk Movements - Jon and Soweto discuss everything from the lesser-known tradition of improvisation in classic music, New Orleans, some of their biggest inspirations, writing for film, and much more.

‘Round Midnight is presented by award-winning saxophonist Soweto Kinch. This weekday late-night show celebrates the thriving UK jazz scene and spotlights the best new music alongside incredible acts from past decades.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight".