He's taking the exact role Shaffer had in Letterman's show. Stoned, band leader with off screen laughs and jibes who just says 'yes' a lot to the host's conversation attempts.
I see no difference between the performance of Batiste and Shaffer in fulfillment of their sidekick duties.
Criticism of religion is not racism...
The problem seems to be that while Dave and Paul had a great friendship and obvious onscreen rapport, Stephen and John don't click at all. While John has obviously spent a great deal of time honing his musical talents, he could really use a good improv class. The only time he seems to be comfortable in front of the camera is when Stephen first walks onto the stage; that's when Batiste is practically screaming for attention, night after night, dancing around as if he's auditioning for "American's Got Talent" - Ha! To the contrary, Paul Shaffer never seemed to be that desperate for attention. Also, it doesn't appear as if John really gets Stephen's style of comedy. Once in a while he'll say "I like that," but for the most part he seems to be confused about what Stephen is doing.
shareI think the big hairy weirdo on Corden's show is much more Paul than Batiste is.
"I said no camels, that's five camels, can't you count?"
I do occasionally watch Corden's monologue, so I'm a bit familiar with his band. Yeah, his larger than life band leader (don't know his name) comes across as much more relaxed and natural. Maybe we should start a campaign to get Corden's band leader to move to The Late Show ?! - Ha! Batiste, on the other hand, has made no progress regarding rapport, and, on most nights I actually find him to be quite annoying (i.e. his constant interruptions of Stephen's monologues - 'over' laughing, singing, repeating what Stephen just said). Wish the producers of the show would just tell Batiste to say and do nothing other than play the piano ....... as that is where his only noticeable talent lies.
shareAnnoying scream and annoying laughter I would say.
shareShaffer is more talented than Batiste.
shareAs beloved as Paul was - I thought he hurt Letterman's show for quite a long time - he would repeat what Dave said like a parrot - Dave was too good of friends with Paul to correct him IMO.
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