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Jonathan Batiste: What you need to know about the new 'Late Show' bandleader

Stephen Colbert recently revealed that musician Jonathan Batiste will serve as bandleader on his incarnation of the CBS show 'Late Night.' Bringing on Batiste means the musical side of late-night shows continues to be more and more diverse in its genres.

Stephen Colbert has announced who will serve as his bandleader on his CBS program “Late Show.” 

Musician Jonathan Batiste will be bandleader on the program. Colbert posted a video about the pick that included Batiste performing and was titled “Introducing a New Friend.” 

“People keep asking me who my bandleader’s going to be,” Colbert says while eating the famous dessert the beignet (Batiste hails from the New Orleans area). “Well, I like this guy.” 

Batiste’s albums include “Times in New Orleans” and his EPs include “In the Night” and “The Amazing Jon Batiste!” In 2014, he collaborated with Bill Laswell, a bassist, and Chad Smith, drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, for the album “The Process.” Batiste also appeared on the HBO series “Treme.” 

According to Variety, Batiste released a statement about his new job, with the musician saying, “I’m thrilled! This is a match made in heaven. Get ready for a love riot in late night.” 

The band Stay Human, of which Batiste is a member, will be joining Batiste as his band on “Late Show,” according to Time. 

Batiste had previously appeared on “The Colbert Report” along with Stay Human in 2014. 

Batiste’s hiring continues a trend of bandleaders in late night that encompass a wide variety of genres. The Roots are “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon’s house band and the group is known for its mixing of genres, including soul and hip-hop. Reggie Watts, who serves as James Corden’s bandleader on the “Late Late Show,” is known for his innovative musical stylings with beatboxing and the use of effects pedals, according to the website Gizmodo. And Seth Meyers’ band leader for “Late Night,” Fred Armisen, once played drums in a punk band, according to Rolling Stone, and previously performed songs in many musical genres during his time on “Saturday Night Live.”

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