‘Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ Names Bandleader

Late Show With Stephen Colbert is starting to take shape.

Colbert has named jazz musician Jon Batiste as his new show’s bandleader, CBS announced Thursday.

“His music makes the audience feel so good, we may have to install a ‘Do Not Make Love’ sign,” said Colbert.

Added Batiste: “I’m thrilled! This is a match made in heaven. Get ready for a love riot in late night.”

A musician, educator and humanitarian from New Orleans, Batiste hails from a long line of celebrated musicians. He grew up playing percussion and piano in his family’s band before studying at Juilliard, where he received both his undergraduate and master’s degrees. He has performed internationally with his band, Stay Human, and has collaborated with artists including Prince, Lenny Kravitz and Wynton Marsalis.

Known for his signature “love riots,” Batiste has appeared on HBO’s Treme and in Spike Lee‘s Red Hook Summer. One of the youngest Steinway Performing Artists of all time, he also serves as the artistic director at large of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Batiste is getting ready to release his first album on a major label this fall.

In addition to Colbert’s statement, the Late Show also released a video showing Colbert introducing Batiste that was filmed in his native New Orleans.

The announcement came one day after Colbert released the first promo for his new show. In the clip, he shaved off his recently grown beard in preparation for his upcoming Late Show debut.

Late Show With Stephen Colbert is slated to premiere on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 11:35 p.m. on CBS.

Watch the video below.

‘Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ Names Bandleader

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