Nate Chinen, a music critic from WRTI known for his insights on jazz and diverse genres, joins the conversation. The duo examines Bartees Strange's emotional album 'Horror,' blending horror themes with resilience. They dive into Denison Witmer's indie influences and Marshall Allen's groundbreaking work at 100. The discussion expands to Sullivan Fortner's vibrant jazz style and John Patitucci's themes of unity in 'Spirit Fall.' Together, they celebrate the rich tapestry of new music released on February 14.
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Bartees Strange's Genre-Bending Music
Bartees Strange's music blends diverse genres, including rock, hip-hop, and dance music, sometimes within single songs.
His music reflects a "hauntedness" and themes of displacement and adaptation, influenced by his diverse background.
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Horror and Strength in Bartees Strange's Music
Bartees Strange used horror movies to feel strong as a child, believing that enduring them would equip him to handle the world.
This experience shaped his music, which often features catchy yet unsettling undercurrents.
insights INSIGHT
Bartees Strange: A Transgressive Black Bon Iver?
Nate Chinen describes Bartees Strange's music as "transgressive black Bon Iver," highlighting the haunted quality and band sound.
Strange's music also reflects his displacement and adaptation, being born in England and raised in Oklahoma.
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Denison Witmer’s album 'Anything At All' is a reflective collection of ten folk-pop songs that delve into themes of family life, domesticity, and existential questions. Recorded primarily at Sufjan Stevens’ Catskills studio during the pandemic, the album features contributions from Stevens, Andy Park, Sam Evian, Hannah Cohen, Sean Lane, and Keenan O'Meara. The songs explore topics like bird watching, carpentry, houseplants, and hiking, suggesting that a life lived with thoughtfulness and care can lead to deeper joy and fulfillment.
Horror
Bartees Strange
Released on February 14, 2025, *Horror* is Bartees Strange's third studio album. The album delves into everyday fears, Blackness, and the search for a safe place to call home. It features a diverse range of sounds, from the Fleetwood Mac-esque groove of 'Sober' to the emotional climax of '17', which addresses existential fears as a Queer, Black person. The album was co-produced with Jack Antonoff and features contributions from other notable artists and producers.
Southern Nights
Sullivan Fortner
Southern Nights is a live jazz album by Sullivan Fortner, recorded during his second weeklong residency as a bandleader at the Village Vanguard in July 2023. The album features a trio with Peter Washington on bass and Marcus Gilmore on drums. Despite their first-ever collaboration and limited rehearsal, the trio's chemistry was immediate, resulting in a raw, unedited live recording. The album includes tunes by Allen Toussaint, Consuela Lee, and Fortner's original compositions, celebrating the music of New Orleans and showcasing the trio's spontaneous and connected performance.
Spirit Fall
John Patitucci
Spirit Fall is the latest studio album by John Patitucci, recorded in August 2024. The album features a trio with Chris Potter and Brian Blade, reflecting Patitucci's deep connection with his collaborators, his New York roots, and his spiritual convictions. The music embodies the hope and unity that jazz can offer.
Bartees Strange. Denison Witmer. The Sun Ra Arkestra's Marshall Allen. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Nate Chinen of Philadelphia's WRTI to discuss the best new releases out on Valentine's Day.
All Songs Considered 
