Sullivan Fortner Releases New Album Confronting Katrina Trauma

Jazz pianist Sullivan Fortner, a three-time Grammy winner, has released his sixth album, "Leave That in There," which confronts the trauma and resilience associated with Hurricane Katrina. Fortner, a New Orleans native, described his approach to this album as a departure from his previous meticulous recording methods. He stated, "For this record, I took an edible and I just said, screw it," indicating a more spontaneous and uninhibited creative process. This album aims to celebrate the survivors of Hurricane Katrina and their enduring spirit. Fortner elaborated on the nature of Black music, characterizing it as "forward and upward in movement," and comparing its dynamic growth to a "tornado that’s always getting bigger and moving faster." His distinctive playing style, marked by quirkiness, subtlety, and mischief, is reflected in his spoken words. The 39-year-old artist recently performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam. In addition to his Grammy awards, including one for "Southern Nights" in 2025, Fortner was honored with the Larry J Bell award. This prestigious prize, awarded every four years, comes with a $300,000 (£225,000) endowment and recognizes outstanding jazz pianists. Receiving this award bolstered Fortner's confidence to present a more complete version of himself on "Leave That in There." He contrasted his current approach with past albums where he engaged in "self-editing," involving numerous takes and extensive post-production adjustments. The album's title, "Leave That in There," suggests an acceptance and integration of difficult experiences rather than their removal or suppression. Fortner's work often draws inspiration from his roots and the cultural landscape of New Orleans, a city profoundly impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The album's focus on resilience and clarity among survivors highlights the human capacity to endure and rebuild in the face of catastrophic events. Fortner's artistic journey, marked by critical acclaim and significant awards, now includes a deeply personal exploration of collective trauma and the strength found in community and memory. His music serves as a testament to the enduring power of jazz as a medium for storytelling and emotional expression, particularly in addressing historical and personal narratives.