Combine the optimistic spirit and huge talent of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Jon Batiste with New Orleans powerhouse icons that include the Gospel Soul Children and the St. Augustine High School Marching 100, and the result is the incredibly uplifting opening title cut to We Are. Batiste’s musical imagination is at work throughout this multiple Grammy-nominated release. He dives into rhythm and blues on the gritty “Tell the Truth.” He stays somewhat in that groove, though more up-tempo, on the hand-clapping jump of “I Need You.” Thought of primarily as jazz pianist, vocalist and bandleader on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Batiste plays a stunning array of instruments on We Are. He’s practically a one-man band. His vocal range, hip style and distinctive way with lyrics really take the spotlight here.

Check out his falsetto on the best-known song on the album, “Freedom,” the video of which took off like a rocket this past summer. There and during his sensational appearance on Austin City Limits, audiences got to see Batiste’s over-the-top dance moves that remain etched in the brain while listening to this cut—“Let me see you wobble,” he suggests. It’s just too much fun.

“Sing” prevails as emotionally powerful as a gospel tune and prompts listeners to stand up, hands in the air and shout hallelujah.

Simply stated, We Are is an incredible album that stands as a classic of this era and a triumph for the joyfully talented son of New Orleans, Jon Batiste.