Batista’s discography is a testament to his dedication to musical excellence. In 2022, he released Panamá United, an album that was debuted in a celebrated release concert at the Panamá Jazz Festival. This album, along with his earlier single Tears,” has been extensively featured in national and international media outlets such as Berkshire Eagle, Wicked Local, and El Digital Panamá. In addition, Batista played a leading role as Lead Saxophonist on Alain Mallet’s acclaimed 2020 album A Wake of Sorrows Engulfed in Rage,” which earned recognition from All About Jazz.
His live performances have further solidified his status as a world-class musician. In notable concerts, Batista has led his band, The Samuel Batista Quartet, at prominent venues like UnCommon Stage, the Red Room in Boston, and the Panamá Jazz Festival. The Quartet’s performances have been spotlighted by significant outlets such as The Berkshire Eagle and The Ridgefield Press. His standing performances continue to attract attention, from the prestigious Sofar Sounds Boston to the anticipated engagements at the The Quinn House and the Institute of Contemporary Art, underscoring his ability to captivate audiences across a range of esteemed platforms.
Batista’s involvement with Ron Reid and the Ron Reid Liberty Quintet highlights his contributions to Caribbean jazz, a collaboration esteemed for its respect within the genre and comprehensive educational outreach. His work with Reid has achieved significant recognition, appearing in national publications such as Metrowest Daily News.
Since 2018, Batista has also performed with Bill Banfield’s Jazz Urbane as part of The Imagine Orchestra. Banfield, known for his scholarly and musical contributions, values Batista’s integral role, as acclaimed by numerous national publications.
The Panamá Jazz Festival has prominently featured Batista since 2011, where his performances with The Samuel Batista Quartet have drawn widespread acclaim. Directed by Patricia Zarate-Perez, the festival highlights Batista’s significant influence. Batista is set headline concerts at the Panama Jazz Festival with his band The Samuel Batista Quartet in annual residencies at the festival.
Throughout his distinguished career, Batista has worked with luminaries such as Mark Walker and Oscar Stagnaro and he served as the Music Director, Arranger, and Orchestrator for Grammy-nominee Stefon Harris and Miguel Bosé, a celebrated Latin artist, which has been reported on in publications such as UnCommon Stage and El Digital Panamá.
Since 2023, he has been the Lead Saxophonist for Wilson Stevens, a renowned music production company that has become synonymous with excellence in New England entertainment. His tenure with Wilson Stevens, extended through 2027, sees him performing at venues such as The Hyatt Regency and The Boston Harbor Hotel, a testament to both his skill and the company’s trusted reputation. In addition, Batista has helmed the saxophone section for the band Speechless since 2023, a group that ensures top-tier performances nationwide. His relationship with Speechless, slated to extend through 2027, reflects the band’s widespread acceptance and elicits admiration, particularly highlighted in national publications like The Knot.
In addition, in the coming years, Batista is set to work with several other distinguished artists and bands. Since 2023, he has performed as the Lead Saxophonist for the noted recording artists