NORFOLK, VA. — An Old Dominion University music student gets the thrill of a lifetime after meeting award-winning musician Jon Batiste.
“I call it a handheld piano that you simply blow into,” said ODU graduate student Hassan Smith as he demonstrated the odd-looking instrument.
“You can play notes, chords,” he added.
It’s called a melodica.
Last year, at a concert in Washington, D.C., the Chesapeake resident had the opportunity to play for one of his music heroes — award-winning musician Jon Batiste, who also plays the melodica.
“It was surreal seeing him in person — like, oh my gosh! You’re a real person!” Smith said. “He tapped my shoulder before I was about to play and said, ‘Go on, boy, play.’”
Batiste was so impressed he kept in touch with the young Greenbrier neighborhood composer.
“He loved it. He said we’re going to get together. That was beautiful,” Smith recalled.
His mother, Angela Bryant, says her son has always had a gift for music.
“His first words were not ‘mom’ or ‘dad.’ It was, ‘cha cha cha… drop it like it’s hot,’” she said, laughing.
And this isn’t his first brush with musical greatness. Smith co-produced the theme music for Pharrell’s first Something in the Water festival.
“This kid has been playing by ear since he was 1½ or 2,” Angela said. “He would hear something, let it marinate in his soul, and then play it.”
Batiste got Smith’s number and has even reached out about a possible collaboration.
“I’m grateful for whatever happens next,” Smith said. “I’m really inspired by that interaction alone, and I’m grateful that he’s kept in touch with me.”
While Hassan Smith’s star is rising beyond the 757, he remains positively Hampton Roads.
