In a city graced with a good number of first class jazz guitarists, Warren Battiste remains a standout. Though thoroughly grounded in R&B, rock ’n’ roll, and traditional jazz (his father played banjo at Preservation Hall), Battiste decided that the music of people like Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and guitarist Charlie Christian was what he really wanted to play, and he made that decision 60 years ago. So despite his relationship with Fats Domino—he was the first guitarist to play regularly with Fats—Battiste was delighted when tenor sax star Illinois Jacquet offered him a job with his band in New York. He’s divided his time between the two cities ever since. But what’s remarkable about Warren Battiste is that at the age of 82, he’s absolutely at the top of his form.

When he’s not up North with his family, you’ll find him in the Quarter and on Frenchmen Street. He usually plays in a trio with bass and drums, and that’s why this current CD is especially intriguing. He adds pianist Larry Sieberth, who joins Jim Markway and Richard Hale. They have clearly had some experience playing with Battiste and know their roles well, so you get his usual blend of lovely single string and chord solo work, but with a richer and fuller overall sound.

The opening “Take the A Train” gives you a clear idea of what Battiste is about. He’s a believer in playing the melody first and does so on every cut. His warm legato improvisations amply demonstrate just how good a musician he is. His block chord solos have a quality reminiscent of George Shearing, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

He suffered badly in Hurricane Katrina. Rescued from the roof of his home by helicopter, he then spent two days sitting on a bridge without food or water and lost everything he owned in this city including his guitars. So it’s no surprise when the CD closes with what is becoming a tradition: a plaintive rendition of “Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans?” Like everything else in his work, Batiste gives it everything he’s got. Whether you know Warren Battiste or not, this is a CD to treasure.