5x Grammy and Oscar winner Jon Batiste returns with a pure piano album, Beethoven Blues (Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 1).

Reimagining the works of Ludwig van Beethoven alongside original compositions inspired by Batistes youth competing in local piano competitions and gigging in the heart of New Orleans, this album extends timeless classics across the genre spectrum. It is a way of paying homage to Beethovens artistry and bringing it into a singular moment in true creative partnership with Batistes artistic work and journey.

Then theres the blues rhythmically, structurally, melodically, emotionally, and compositionally.

The 11-track collection features arrangements of some of Beethovens greatest works, including Fr Elise, Ode to Joy and Symphony No. 5, as well as new music composed by Batiste, such as Dusklight Movement and American Symphony Theme.

Beethoven was unusually prolific and consistently innovative. Hundreds of years later, his music is still extremely relevant and recognizable, many of his greatest works have become ubiquitous, transcending age, race, era and tapping into the divine nature of being, says Batiste. I am deeply humbled and inspired to reimagine his transcendent work.