Jon Batiste showcases improvisational recording at Electric Lady Studios

The Grammy‑winning artist filmed a live improvisation session at the historic studio, noting he never writes down the pieces.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:47:12 GMT

Jon Batiste recorded new music at Electric Lady Studios in New York City, inviting CBS News correspondent Whitaker and the 60 Minutes crew to observe his improvisational process, CBS News reported on Oct. 12, 2026.

What happened

During the session, Batiste sat at a piano alongside bassist Endea Owens and drummer Steve Jordan. The trio created a piece without any written notation; according to Whitaker, no sheet music was visible at any point. Batiste later explained that he routinely composes by improvisation and reviews the playback afterward. The video of the session was produced by Will Croxton and edited by Warren Lustig and Scott Rosann.

What the reports add

CBS News highlighted Electric Lady Studios’ storied past, noting recordings by Stevie Wonder, David Bowie and Taylor Swift.
The outlet pointed out that Batiste’s Grammy‑winning album “We Are,” which earned Album of the Year, is displayed on the studio wall, and Batiste showed the album to Whitaker as a personal honor.

What was said

"The music sort of had peaks and valleys. The most incredible thing was none of it was written down. There was not a piece of sheet music anywhere in sight," Whitaker told CBS News.

"And yet the other musicians, the bass and the drums, were able to keep up with him. They're sort of on, like, the same wavelength," Whitaker added.

"I always write music this way. He and other band members will improvise a piece of music, he'll listen to the playback later, and then decide what to do with it next. And we may arrange that or organize that or replay it, now that the inspiration is captured. But either way, that can become a song or a composition or a symphony. It could become anything," Batiste explained.

"Intention" and listening are crucial, Batiste said, adding, "You come in, and you have an intention in how you're listening. And then you understand what's happening on an intuitive level."

"You are technically proficient here," Whitaker observed, "but it transcends that." Batiste replied, "The important part is the transcend part, not the technical part. You could have all the chops and no gravy."

How it came about

Earlier Felo coverage detailed Batiste’s background, describing his introverted upbringing in Kenner, Louisiana, and his improvisational audition at Juilliard (Jon Batiste describes his introverted roots and vision for “social music”). The current session builds on that narrative, showing how improvisation remains central to his creative method.

Key facts

Jon Batiste recorded new music at Electric Lady Studios in New York City. (cbsnews.com)
The session featured bassist Endea Owens and drummer Steve Jordan. (cbsnews.com)
No sheet music was used; the piece was improvised live. (cbsnews.com)
CBS News correspondent Whitaker observed the session and reported on the improvisational nature. (cbsnews.com)
Batiste’s Grammy‑winning album “We Are” is displayed on the studio’s wall. (cbsnews.com)