American guitarist toured with the King of Pop on three world tours, between 1987 and 1997, and remembers what the atmosphere was like
Jennifer BattenAmerican guitarist considered a virtuoso of the instrument, toured with michael jackson on three world tours — between 1987 and 1997. Recently, she recalled what it was like to work with the King of Pop.
In an interview with the channel The Sessions Panel (via Ultimate Guitar), Batten defined this experience as “very magical, dazzling and radiant”.
Initially, she revealed what the audition to join the band was like:
“The only guidance they gave me was that most of the show would be funk, so I improvised something and started soloing. When I got the job with Jackson, I had already made three demos with Michael Sembello for my first album, and one of the things I had resolved (was) this tap dancing thing for ‘Giant Steps’ (of John Coltrane). I finished the audition by playing the solo of ‘Beat It’.”
Later came approval and the first contact with Michael. The artist recalls:
“He arrived and started dancing immediately. It’s like that vision was frozen in my mind forever… and I just remember being introduced to him, and I thought… this very magical, dazzling, radiant energy.”
Learnings from Jennifer Batten
During the 10 years she was with the King of Pop, Jennifer Batten says she was impressed by something that is unanimous and that other musicians who worked with him also always highlight: the degree of professionalism and dedication.
She summarizes something she learned from MJ:
“One of the lessons I tell people is, man, I’ve never felt over-rehearsed. I always feel like if I had another moment, I could take that time to get better!”

Orianthi and Michael Jackson
Jennifer Batten’s words match what another guitarist who worked with Michael Jackson also said: Orianthi.
The Australian rehearsed with him for the tour “This Is It”in 2009, which ended up being canceled due to MJ’s death on June 25 of that year.
In an interview with the website Music RadarOrianthi described the star’s work ethic:
“He was such a perfectionist, attentive to detail, every detail. It was pretty crazy, because even when it came to the tone of my guitar, he would ask, ‘Could you try a different amp? Maybe try this one.’ Or something like that. Not that I didn’t think he would pay as much attention, but he really was in tune with every part of every song, and he knew everything.”

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Jennifer Batten
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michael jackson
Source: Rollingstone

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.