MY N.Y.

Released in 2011, MY N.Y. serves as a pivotal early document of Jon Batiste's 'social music' philosophy. Recorded entirely in the New York City subway system, the album captures Batiste and his band, Stay Human, performing for commuters. This context is vital to the album's sonic character: it features high-ceilinged natural reverb, the clatter of trains, and the spontaneous reactions of an accidental audience. Unlike his later, highly polished studio efforts like WE ARE, this record is gritty and minimalist, relying heavily on the portable power of the melodica and percussive piano. The tracklist is a daring mix of Great American Songbook standards and contemporary pop hits, effectively bridging the gap between jazz tradition and the 21st-century zeitgeist. It remains a fan favorite for its raw energy and its successful attempt to democratize jazz by bringing it directly to the people in their daily transit.