New music: Peter Frampton, Jason Aldean, The Corner Laughers

In this column I highlight the highly-recommended returns from Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Peter Frampton, country music great Jason Aldean and indie folk-pop quartet The Corner Laughers. 

Artist: Peter Frampton
Title: Carry the Light (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Peter Frampton, Sheryl Crow, Bill Evans, H.E.R.

Tell me more: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Peter Frampton is back with Carry the Light, his first album of all-new material in 16 years. Co-written and produced with his son Julian Frampton, Carry the Light features guest appearances from singer Sheryl Crow, saxophone player Bill Evans, guitarists H.E.R. and Tom Morello, singer Graham Nash and keyboardist Benmont Tench. But make no mistake, it are Frampton's top-tier talents as singer and guitar master that anchor the outstanding 10-track effort. The depth and range of material on the album is impressive to be sure, from the intoxicating world music-flavored title track, fiery blues rocker "Lions At The Gate," the gorgeous "I'm Sorry Elle" (the latter featuring Nash on guest vocals) and confessional "Breaking The Mold" are all early standouts. The nuanced "I Can't Let It Be," jazzy "Can You Take Me There," genre-blending "Tinderbox" and expressive instrumental "At The End Of The Day" are among the highlights on the last half of the LP. My favorite cut on the album is "Buried Treasure," a blistering rocker that is actually a tribute to Tom Petty's SiriusXM radio show of the same name that forcefully showcases Frampton's signature vocals and virtuoso lead guitar work. Information: peterframpton.com.

Artist: Jason Aldean
Title: Songs About Us (BBR Music Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Jason Aldean, Daughtry, Southern rock

Tell me more: Country music great Jason Aldean is back with his 12th studio album, Songs About Us, an ambitious disc that finds the Macon, Georgia native continuing to deliver infectious rock-flavored lived-in modern country tracks that touch on themes of romance and heartbreak, determination in the face of defeat and independence with a masterful touch. The parade of alluring songs includes the stellar anguish-mining opener "Anytime Soon," rocking "Drinking About You," tender "How Far Does A Goodbye Go," surefire sing-along "Good Thing Going," reflective "Backroads Of My Memory," soaring "Easier Gone," and luxurious love song "Her Favorite Color." Information: jasonaldean.com. 

Artist: The Corner Laughers
Title: Concerns Of Wasp And Willow (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Belle And Sebastian, XTC, Kate Bush, Neko Case

Tell me more: There is something both decidedly different and wonderfully familiar in the inviting sound of Northern California-based The Corner Laughers. The indie-pop quartet has returned after a five-year absence with the wonderful Corners Of Wasp And Willow, an album that showcases the stellar talents of Karla Kane (lead vocals, ukulele), Khoi Huynh (bass, vocals), KC Bowman (guitar, vocals) and Charlie Crabtree (drums) with aplomb. The 10-song disc features a myriad of wonderful originals including the environmental-minded opener "Terra Mia," shimmering melodic gem "Dusking," dream-swept retro folk sortie "Rainbow Cardigan," beautiful "The Harvestman," tuneful Halloween-aimed nugget "Dark Matter," luxurious "Victoria Sponge" and evocative album closer "Larkspur Landing." The Corner Laughers have crafted a marvelously literate album that would have sounded great if it had been issued a generation ago and one that will undoubtedly resonate with listeners decades from now. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

New music: The Green Circles, He's Dead Jim, Peter Frampton

In this column, I review the latest studio albums from The Green Circles and He's Dead Jim as well as details about Peter Frampton's highly-anticipated forthcoming album.

Artist: The Green Circles
Title: The Green Circles (Kool Kat Musik)
You might like if you enjoy: The Kinks, The Hives, The Knack

Tell me more: Released on March 6, The Green Circles' eponymous album is a fantastic listen. Standouts on the Australia-based garage rock outfit's fifth album release include the exuberant album opener "Said It Would," the rollicking Kinks-flavored "Days Of Blue And Grey And Green," introspective look at the realities of going to work courtesy of the driving New Wave-tinged rocker "Too Bright For A Monday," beautiful psychedelic-mining folk rocker "She Walked Along Here," horn section-adorned "I Watch The Line," galloping power pop cut "Ladder In Her Stocking" and luxurious Beatlesque closer "Yesterday's Glass." The Green Circles also unleash a flat-out rollicking take on the Masters Apprentices' "Undecided." Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Artist: He's Dead Jim
Title: These Men, These Monsters (Kool Kat Musik)
You might like if you enjoy: Stiff Little Fingers, New York Dolls, The Kinks
Tell me more: Masterfully blending glam rock, power pop, post-punk and hard rock, He's Dead Jim is back with the band's sophomore album These Men, These Monsters. Along with their forceful rock sound, the Scottish band's intelligent lyrics and unique sonic approach make for an intoxicating journey. Highlights on These Men, These Monsters include the propulsive "Dragonsfield," tuneful "Anything Can Happen Day," jaunty "Everybody's Little Sister," infectious '80s rocker "Living In Harmony," baroque pop meets melodic proto-prog original "The Process," raucous "Under A Rock" and edgy "Negative Vibes." He's Dead Jim also reworks a 10cc's 1975 hit "Art For Art's Sake" into something that is delightfully the band's own. Trivia note: He's Dead Jim got their name from a famous line delivered by the character of Dr. McCoy in an episode of the original "Star Trek" series. Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Peter Frampton is back!

Last week Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Peter Frampton has announced the release of Carry The Light, his first new full-length album of original material in 16 years. Slated for release on May 15, the full-length studio album features guest appearances from Sheryl Crow, Bill Evans, H.E.R., Tom Morello, Graham Nash and Benmont Tench. "Buried Treasure" is the first advance track released from the 10-track album and it's an enticing rocker showcasing Frampton's signature vocals and his fiery lead guitar work; the song is a tribute to the late Tom Petty and features keyboardist Benmont Tench of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers fame. Information: Frampton.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Peter Frampton announces new album, "Carry The Light," co-created with son Julian Frampton And Featuring Sheryl Crow, Graham Nash, H.E.R., Benmont Tench & Bill Evans

Exciting news that Peter Frampton is set to return with his first new album of original material in 16 years. The first advance single "Buried Treasure" is fantastic. The official media release follows...Robert Kinsler

PETER FRAMPTON CONFIRMS FIRST ORIGINAL ALBUM IN 16 YEARS, CARRY THE LIGHT, CO-CREATED WITH SON JULIAN FRAMPTON, SET FOR MAY 15 FEATURES SHERYL CROW, BILL EVANS, H.E.R.,  TOM MORELLO, GRAHAM NASH AND BENMONT TENCH SINGLE “BURIED TREASURE” OUT NOW

photo credit: Lynn Goldsmith

March 17, 2026—Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Award-winning guitarist Peter Frampton will release Carry the Light, his first album of all-new rock material in 16 years, on May 15 via UMe—pre-order/pre-save here. Co-written and produced with his son Julian Frampton, the collection features guest appearances from Sheryl Crow, Bill Evans, H.E.R., Tom Morello, Graham Nash and Benmont Tench. “The Carry the Light album is the first new music from me in 16 years. It was one of my most enjoyable projects ever. I got to work with my son Julian—writing and producing together. A first of many for us I’m sure,” Frampton said. In advance of the album, Frampton has shared the new track “Buried Treasure,” featuring keyboardist Benmont Tench of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers—listen here. A tribute to the late Tom Petty, the track honors the SiriusXM radio show of the same name that Petty curated and hosted for 15 years, with lyrics crafted entirely from Petty’s song titles. Frampton personally sought out Tench to add his signature style to the Petty homage. For Frampton, Carry the Light is a reflection of the present, rooted in the challenges, changes and connections that have defined recent years. The title itself is a statement of purpose; to Frampton, the light represents wisdom, something to be carried forward. At its core, the album is a deeply personal document, one that Frampton credits in large part to the experience of making it alongside his son. “This may be the best album Peter’s ever made,” said engineer and co-producer Chuck Ainlay (Mark Knopfler, Miranda Lambert, George Strait). “The songs are just so poignant, and his voice has matured in a way that really delivers what he's trying to get across.'" Frampton is surrounded on Carry The Light by an all-star supporting cast: Sheryl Crow is Frampton’s vocal foil on “Breaking the Mold,” Bill Evans adds saxophone to both “Can You Take Me There” and “Tinderbox,” H.E.R. trades guitar lines on the instrumental “Islamorada,” Tom Morello brings his signature intensity to the protest song “Lions at the Gate,” Graham Nash lends harmonies to “I’m Sorry Elle,” Benmont Tench contributes keyboards to “Buried Treasure.” Everyone asked to participate in Carry the Light gladly heeded the call to lend their support and create new material with an artist who’s been dispersing endless goodwill and great music across the globe for more than six decades and counting. Carry The Light will be released in a variety of formats, including CD, 180-gram yellow vinyl and digitally in stereo, hi-res audio and immersive Dolby Atmos® options. A special limited-edition vinyl, which will feature a premium cover treatment and be numbered, will be available exclusively via Peter Frampton’s official store, uDiscover Music and Sound of Vinyl.  Earlier this year, Peter celebrated the 50th anniversary of his iconic album Frampton Comes Alive! Upon its original release in 1976, Frampton Comes Alive! became a cultural phenomenon and remains one of the top-selling live albums of all time, with nearly 20 million copies sold worldwide. In honor of the milestone, Peter released a Vinylphyle edition of the landmark album via A&M/UMe—order here. The limited Vinylphyle double LP pressing is sourced from the original 1975 Doug Sax 1/4" production master, with lacquers cut by Joe Nino-Hernes, and pressed on 180g black vinyl at RTI. The package features a four-panel insert including a new interview with Frampton and Anthony Fantano of The Needle Drop. Over the course of a career spanning more than six decades, Peter Frampton has established himself as one of the most celebrated guitarists in rock history. In 2007, he won a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album for Fingerprints; in 2014, he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame; and in 2019, he received the Les Paul Innovation Award at NAMM's TEC Awards. In 2020, Frampton was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, his autobiography, “Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir,” debuted on The New York Times Bestsellers list and he appeared on Dolly Parton’s latest album, Rockstar, as the only artist featured on two tracks. In 2023, Frampton unveiled Frampton@50 on Intervention Records, a numbered limited-edition vinyl box set featuring Frampton’s essential 1972-1975 studio releases Wind of Change, Frampton’s Camel and Frampton. He also received The Myositis Association’s Heroes in the Fight 2023 Patient Ambassador Award and unveiled his historic performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall as a live album via UMe—listen here.  In 2024, he received the Les Paul Spirit Award at Gibson Garage Nashville, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and wrapped an extensive headline tour before returning to the studio to record Carry the Light. PETER FRAMPTON—CARRY THE LIGHT 1. Carry the Light 2. Buried Treasure (feat. Benmont Tench) 3. I'm Sorry Elle (feat. Graham Nash) 4. Breaking The Mold (feat. Sheryl Crow) 5. I Can't Let It Be 6. Lions At The Gate (feat. Tom Morello) 7. Islamorada (feat. H.E.R.) 8. Can You Take Me There (feat. Bill Evans) 9. Tinderbox (feat. Bill Evans) 10. At The End of The Day FIND PETER FRAMPTON ONLINE Facebook | Website | Instagram | Spotify | Twitter

The Art of Music 'Peter Frampton and Warren Haynes' filmed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art debuts on Public Television beginning Sept. 6

 This sounds super interesting and is set to premiere later this week...Robert Kinsler

THE ART OF MUSIC “PETER FRAMPTON AND WARREN HAYNES”  FILMED AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART  DEBUTS ON PUBLIC TELEVISION BEGINNING SEPT. 6  (check local listings) Presented by United MileagePlus® Cards from Chase,  Episode Includes Conversation and Performances from the  Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee

Peter Frampton and Warren Haynes at The Metropolitan Museum of Art / Photo Credit: Jim Belmont

NEW YORK, NY (September 4, 2025) – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, GRAMMY® Award-winning musician and one of the most celebrated artists in rock history, Peter Frampton, is the latest artist featured in the new public television series The Art of Music premiering September 6, 2025. Presented by United MileagePlus® Cards from Chase and filmed in front of a live invited audience at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, Frampton is interviewed by guitarist, singer and songwriter Warren Haynes.   As part of this unique series, Haynes led a conversation with Frampton about his musical journey, sharing insights into his creative processes. The discussion intertwined some of Frampton’s timeless hits such as “Do You Feel Like We Do”, “Baby I Love Your Way”, and “Show Me The Way”.  “It was wonderful performing for The Art of Music series, it’s such a unique way of putting art and music together and to have done this at The Met, what an honor,” says Frampton.  The Art of Music, created and executive produced by iMaggination’s Don Maggi, was created to give viewers a rare look inside the artists’ lives and their creative practice at the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art. In this episode, after nearly 50 years since Frampton Comes Alive! was released, which remains one of the top-selling live records of all time–selling over 17 million worldwide, the celebrated guitarist shares stories about his vast catalog and significant moments in his career.  “We're excited to share this new episode of The Art of Music featuring Peter Frampton and Warren Haynes,” says Maggi. “The combination of these two legends together on stage within the walls of the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art offers audiences a unique and intimate look inside Frampton's historic journey through storytelling and performance.”

Rob Arthur, Alison Prestwood, Peter Frampton and Warren Haynes at The Metropolitan Museum of Art / Photo Credit: Jim Belmont

“We were thrilled to welcome Peter Frampton to The Met for an unforgettable visit. Sharing our newly acquired collection of American guitars with him was a true privilege, made all the more special as Frampton recounted his journey as a guitarist and performed some of his most iconic music." - Jayson Kerr Dobney, Frederick P. Rose Curator in Charge of the Department of Musical Instruments at The Met Frampton’s episode of The Art of Music will air on public television stations nationwide beginning September 6, 2025. Fans may also watch on The Art of Music website or stream on the PBS app.   The national public television World Channel will air the episode Saturday, October 4 at 7pm ET, with a repeat on Monday October 6 at 5am ET (adjust by time zone). Visit worldchannel.org to find your local World Channel station. The program will air on the All Arts Channel and on the All Arts app in the New York Metro area on Saturday, October 25 at 9 pm. This special interview and performance featuring Peter Frampton presented by United MileagePlus® Cards from Chase was an unforgettable occasion for Chase United Cardmembers who were invited to attend the intimate live taping. The United MileagePlus® Cards from Chase provide Cardmembers with access to exclusive events and experiences in addition to many  reward and travel benefits with United Airlines. Underwriters for The Art of Music are The Mark Hotel and SUNDRAGON.   Additional artists to be announced for the series soon. For more information, visit  https://theartofmusic.org.   About Peter Frampton In 2007 Frampton won a GRAMMY® for Best Pop Instrumental Album for Fingerprints and in 2014 was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. He received the prestigious Les Paul Innovation Award at NAMM’s TEC Awards in 2019 and most recently received the 2024 Les Paul Spirit Award at the Gibson Garage Nashville earlier this month.  In 2020 Frampton was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame, his autobiography Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir debuted on The New York Times Bestsellers list and he appeared on Dolly Parton’s latest album, Rockstar, as the only artist featured on two tracks. Despite the announcement of his farewell tour over four years ago due to a diagnosis of the degenerative disease inclusion-body myositis, the legendary musician has continued to play venues across the country to critical acclaim. In 2023, Frampton released Frampton@50 on Intervention Records, a numbered limited-edition vinyl box set featuring Frampton’s essential 1972-1975 studio releases Wind of Change, Frampton’s Camel and Frampton. He also received The Myositis Association’s Heroes in the Fight 2023 Patient Ambassador Award in September and unveiled his historic performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall as a live album. About The Art of Music  The Art of Music invites audiences inside The Metropolitan Museum of Art for intimate conversations and performances by today’s most iconic storytellers, taped and aired for public television. The series is created and executive produced by iMaggination’s Don Maggi. For more information, go to:https://theartofmusic.org About The Metropolitan Museum of Art  The Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in 1870 by a group of American citizens– businessmen and financiers as well as leading artists and thinkers of the day who wanted to create a museum to bring art and art education to the American people. Today, The Met displays tens of thousands of objects covering 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City– The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online. Since its founding, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum’s galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing both new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.  In May, The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced a landmark gift of more than 500 of the finest guitars from the golden age of American guitar making, spanning the years 1920 to 1970. This new collection of the most important guitars, anchored by a major gift from collector Dirk Ziff, will showcase the profound impact this celebrated instrument has had on popular music, culture, society, politics, and religion in America—and then resonated around the world. The collection displays the diversity of the guitar in all its forms—including electric, acoustic, archtop, bass, resonator, and lap steel—as well as related stringed instruments and amplifiers. Read more HERE. About LCM247  LCM247 is an award-winning television and film production company founded by Patrick  Heaphy. LCM247 develops and produces documentaries with a specialization in multi camera  concert productions with full multi track record, mix and delivery of programs to broadcast,  streaming and theatrical. For more information, go to: lcm247.com.  Cards issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval. Terms Apply.

2025 NAMM Show brings the full power of music to Anaheim

The 2025 NAMM Show

Where: The Anaheim Convention Center

When: Jan. 20-25, 2025

Next: The Summer NAMM Show will return to Nashville, TN, June 29-July 1, 2025

Information: NAMM.org

Rising violinist Mia Asano performing during Global Media Day at the NAMM Show
in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Article by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz and Robert Kinsler

Major concert events, intimate booth performances, new groundbreaking music making products unveiled for the first time and educational sessions are all a part of the annual NAMM Show.

The year's 2025 NAMM Show was held at the Anaheim Convention Center Jan. 20-25, 2025.

Peter Frampton at The NAMM
Show on Jan. 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Attending Global Media Day (held on Jan. 22) provided me a perfect chance to get an early, in-depth glimpse at several music-making products, watch a couple of cool performances and even catch recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Peter Frampton discuss his career.

Because he is suffering of inclusion body myositis (IBM) — a progressive muscle disorder characterized by muscle inflammation and weakness — Frampton announced his farewell tour in 2019. However, despite the impacts of the disease, Frampton has continued to record and perform.

"Well, I keep saying that's the last one," Frampton said of each tour; he noted he will perform a short series of shows in April and again in June of 2025. "I'm going to keep going as long as my fingers still work. It's getting more difficult now."

The legendary guitar great said he has to work harder to play guitar, and explore different ways so he can keep playing.

"I will keep doing music the rest of my life." 

Scott Mulvahill performing with his "DataBass" at
Global Media Day on Jan. 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Among the other highlights I caught at Global Media Day was upright bassist Scott Mulvahill, who performed on a one-of-a-kind instrument he invented dubbed the "DataBass." The instrument combines the benefits of an upright bass with the power of MIDI sampling, and the artist showcased its unique magic throughout a strong five-song set.

Singer-songwriter/guitarist Yvette Young playing a state-of-the-art
Yamaha TransAcoustic TAG3 C guitar at the NAMM Show.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Another instrument that wowed media was Yamaha's TransAcoustic TAG3 C acoustic guitar. I was able to spend some time playing the 2nd Generation TransAcoustic Guitar and it's a real wonder. It plays like a top-tier acoustic guitar, but comes equipped with Bluetooth allowing the user to connect their smart devices and play their favorite songs directly through the instrument. There is also an onboard looper, so you can record and play back your performances. There is built-in reverb, chorus and delay effects with simple controls. And there is a rechargeable battery and magnetic charging connection providing more than five hours of play time.

In terms of eye candy, Martin Guitars showcased its beautiful one-of-a-kind double-neck instrument, the Grand J-28E DN (see images above). The first double-neck guitar produced by Martin in more than a century, this all-new instrument combines Martin's renowned craftsmanship with modern cutting-edge innovation; it features an acoustic-electric with a 12- and six-string neck. The Grand J-28E DN features two compound dovetail neck joints and unique X bracing. The guitar also includes built-in custom Fishman electronics, making it ready for any stage or studio setting.

Alicia Witt performing at the NAMM Show on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Alicia Witt with Ernest, a rescue dog who accompanies her
onstage during performances. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

In her two 30-minute appearances at the Casio booth, singer-songwriter/pianist Alicia Witt impressed with her winning and sumptuous original songs bolstered by her lovely soprano and virtuoso skills displayed using the "Harmonious Mustard" Privia PX-S7000 Privia digital piano. Among the terrific songs she performed at the NAMM Show was the introspective "Witness," emotional "Friend," the triumphant rocker "What About Me?" and the bewitching "Chasing Shadows" (watch the official "Chasing Shadows" music video HERE). 

Rachael Sage performing at the Casio booth on Friday, Jan. 24.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Also performing at Casio was famed singer-songwriter/pianist Rachael Sage, who I caught when she performed on Friday. Performing her singular blend of pop, rock and  folk, I was particularly thrilled with her dynamic genre-blending cut "Trouble" featuring some finger snap accents.

Harmonica great Lee Oskar blasting away on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage on
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

A former member of the band War, Harmonica great Lee Oskar brought his latest project — the Lee Oskar Harmonicas Blues & Beyond Showcase — to the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage on Jan. 23. The highlight of the troupe's set was a nine-minute version of War's 1975 hit "Low Rider."

Fingerstyle guitarist Laurence Juber performing on the Martin Stage at NAMM.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Virtuoso fingerstyle guitarist Laurence Juber performed at the Martin Stage on Thursday, wowing the crowd with signature instrumental versions of his own compositions and classic rock favorites artfully arranged to be performed solo on his OMC-21 Martin guitar. His wonderful "Cobalt Blue," artful take on Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed," a first-ever live performance of his astonishing version of The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" and a tender "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" (the latter George Harrison-penned gem was dedicated to the Los Angeles community impacted by a number of wildfires over the past few weeks) all thrilled NAMMgoers.

Singer-songwriter/guitarist Mary Spender performing at The NAMM Show.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Also performing on the Martin Stage was British singer-songwriter-guitarist Mary Spender, who appeared on Friday afternoon. Armed with her talents as an amazing singer and acoustic guitar player, she treated the crowd to a 30-minute set of infectious originals including the introspective "Darling, You Need Therapy," Baroque folk-flavored "Primrose" and the catchy sing-along closer "Blues Duet."

Jon Batiste performing on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage at NAMM
on Friday night, Jan. 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Because I missed Jon Batiste's performance when I attended Coachella in April 2024, I was delighted to catch the Louisiana native's headlining set at the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage at NAMM on Friday night, Jan. 24. Batiste and his excellent backing troupe performed a thrilling mix of soul, R&B, classical, funk, hip hop, New Orleans jazz and more during their full-length set. I was especially impressed with Batiste's virtuoso skills playing a number of keyboards and piano, as well as behind the drum kit. He is also a top-tier vocalist and band leader.

Jon Batiste performing at NAMM
on Friday night, Jan. 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Batiste is a generous performer and seemed to relish every second he was on stage, interacting with his band mates, backing singer and the enthusiastic audience. During one extended segment he led the band in walking through the crowd and performing a high-powered medley, including a sing-along of "When The Saints Go Marching In." 

The highlight for me was an absolutely gorgeous performance of "Butterfly" that he performed alone at a grand piano.

Learn more about Batiste via his official website HERE.

For more information on The NAMM Show, visit NAMM.org. 

And be sure to check out the colorful images taken by photographer Bob Steshetz below capturing so many sights and sounds on display during the NAMM Show!

Jon Batiste performing at the Grand Plaza Yamaha Stage on Friday night,
Jan. 24, 2025. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Blues-rock singer-songwriter/guitarist Harris Sweetwater checking out a guitar during
the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

From left, violinist Mia Asano performing on stage with saxophonist Grace Kelly
in the Yamaha booth on Jan. 23, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

The Lee Oskar Harmonica Blues & Beyond Showcase thrilled concertgoers on
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Violinist Mia Asano performing during Global Media Day.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Jacob Collier performing during the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Grace Kelly performing at the Yamaha booth during the NAMM Show in
Anaheim, CA. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz