New Music Friday: Brittany Howard and a new era of musical masters
Feb 9, 2024
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Brittany Howard's new album 'What Now' is discussed, focusing on her shift in musical style. Joel Ross's jazz vibraphone style and Boldy James and Nicholas Craven's technical rap mastery are also explored. The drone style of Collie Malone's music and the concept of musical mastery in 2024 are discussed. Lastly, the hosts express excitement about the possibility of Brittany Howard leading a halftime show.
Brittany Howard's album 'What Now' showcases her growth as an artist and ability to explore different musical styles.
Joel Ross's album 'New Blues' combines elements of blues, jazz, and classical forms, highlighting his musical versatility and compositional skills.
Deep dives
Brittany Howard's New Album 'What Now' Receives Critical Acclaim
Brittany Howard's highly anticipated new album 'What Now' has been gaining momentum and critical acclaim since its release. The album showcases Howard's unique vibe and taps into an aura that has captivated both fans and critics. The record, which is a follow-up to her successful solo debut 'Jamie,' demonstrates her growth as an artist and her ability to explore different musical styles. With glowing reviews and interviews flooding the media, 'What Now' is positioned to be one of the standout records of the season.
Joel Ross's 'New Blues': Exploring the Connection Between Blues and Jazz
'New Blues,' the latest record from vibraphonist Joel Ross, presents a fresh perspective on the intersection of blues and jazz. Inspired by his exploration of blues history, Ross masterfully combines elements of blues, jazz, and classical forms, showcasing his musical versatility and compositional skills. The album features a range of instruments and collaborations, including saxophonist Emmanuel Wilkins, pianist Jeremy Corren, bassist Kanoa Mendenhall, and drummer Jeremy Dutton. 'New Blues' highlights Ross's ability to create a cohesive and adventurous musical experience while paying homage to jazz greats like Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane.
Boldy James and Nicholas Craven: Embracing Technical Skill in Rap
Boldy James and Nicholas Craven's album 'Penalty of Leadership' showcases the technical skill and prowess of rap. Boldy James, known for his unique style and introspective lyrics, demonstrates his command of the genre, while Nicholas Craven's production complements and enhances the tracks. Boldy's ability to rap subtly and with restraint highlights his mastery in crafting intricate rhymes and flows. 'Penalty of Leadership' is a testament to their musical expertise and their understanding of the intricacies of hip-hop.
Usher to Perform at Super Bowl Halftime Show: Showcasing Mastery in Performance
Usher's upcoming performance at the Super Bowl halftime show reinforces his status as a master of performance. Known for his exceptional vocal ability and dynamic stage presence, Usher has consistently delivered electrifying performances throughout his career. As one of R&B's leading artists, he embodies the essence of a true entertainer, captivating audiences with his singing, dancing, and showmanship. Usher's Super Bowl halftime show is sure to be a testament to his mastery in delivering a memorable and captivating performance.
Ann Powers and Sheldon Pearce listen to the new albums out on Feb. 9 — including Brittany Howard's What Now — and find themselves wondering about the cultural value of virtuosity in 2024.
Featured albums: 1. Brittany Howard, What Now 2. Joel Ross, nublues 3. Boldy James & Nicholas Craven, Penalty of Leadership (released Jan. 12) 4. Kali Malone, All Life Long 5. Sonic Youth, Walls Have Ears 6. Usher, Coming Home
Other notable albums out Feb. 9: • Helado Negro, PHASOR • Chelsea Wolfe, She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She • Madi Diaz, Weird Faith • Declan McKenna, What Happened To The Beach? • Little Simz, Drop 7 EP • Shygirl, Club Shy EP • Kelela, RAVE:N, The Remixes • Mk.gee, Two Star & The Dream Police • Ducks Ltd., Harm's Way • David Nance & Mowed Sound, David Nance & Mowed Sound • Split System, Vol. 2 • The Telescopes, Growing Eyes Become String