"Meditations" is a captivating jazz-funk collaboration between the virtuoso guitarist Cory Wong and the accomplished pianist Jon Batiste, released on May 29, 2020. This concise yet impactful album spans just six tracks and 31 minutes, offering a rich blend of soulful melodies and infectious grooves.
The album opens with the title track "Meditation," a 10-minute journey that showcases Wong's masterful guitar work, building slowly and drawing the listener in with its intricate pull-offs and slides. "Prayer," the second track, is a shorter but equally evocative piece, highlighting the duo's ability to convey deep emotion through their music. "Home" follows, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels both intimate and expansive.
"Relationships" delves into the complexities of human connections, while "Teardrops" brings a touch of melancholy before transitioning into the soothing "Lullaby" that closes the album on a gentle note. Throughout "Meditations," Cory Wong and Jon Batiste demonstrate their exceptional chemistry and versatility, blending jazz and funk seamlessly to create a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.
This Grammy-nominated album is a testament to Wong's status as a leading figure in modern music, showcasing his ability to craft music that is both technically impressive and deeply resonant. Whether you're a longtime fan of jazz-funk or a newcomer to the genre, "Meditations" offers a listening experience that is both engaging and rewarding.