music
‘For this record, I took an edible and said, screw it’: jazz pianist Sullivan Fortner on confronting the trauma of Hurricane Katrina
The New Orleans native is a three-time Grammy winner at the top of his game – and is now using his instinctive style to celebrate the resilience and clarity of Katrina survivors
TL;DR
- Sullivan Fortner's new album, 'Leave That in There,' is a departure from his previous, more edited works, embracing a more spontaneous and authentic approach.
- The album draws heavily on Fortner's experiences growing up in New Orleans, particularly the trauma and resilience associated with Hurricane Katrina.
- Fortner was inspired to embrace artistic freedom after receiving the Larry J Bell award, which boosted his confidence to present a more uninhibited version of himself.
- The album's title, 'Leave That in There,' is derived from a moment in Spike Lee's documentary about Hurricane Katrina, serving as a personal manifesto against self-censorship.
- Fortner's musical journey is influenced by his family's musical background, formative experiences with organist Ronald Markham, and collaborations with notable musicians.
- The album showcases a wide array of musical influences, including Louisiana history, Latin piano, Thelonious Monk, and Stevie Wonder-inspired vocalizations.