Philadelphia-based musician Jacob Brunner, widely recognized for his touring role with the acclaimed Weyes Blood and his contributions to records by artists such as Karl Blau and Little Wings, is poised to release his latest full-length album under his solo moniker, Strawberry Hands. Titled A Jazz Blessing For The Animal, the new record is scheduled for release on September 18 via Otherly Love, marking a significant follow-up to his critically noted 2020 album, I Advance Wearing A Mask. The announcement today includes the premiere of the lead single, "Dream Of Water," alongside a comprehensive East Coast and West Coast tour schedule, underscoring Brunner’s continued evolution as a singular voice in contemporary indie-folk.
The Genesis of A Jazz Blessing For The Animal
The creation of A Jazz Blessing For The Animal represents a two-year odyssey for Brunner, meticulously crafted between 2022 and 2024. The album’s sonic tapestry was woven across diverse geographical and creative landscapes, primarily in Brunner’s home city of Philadelphia, known for its vibrant and eclectic music scene, and extending into the serene, artistically fertile towns of Hudson and Waterford in upstate New York. This extended period of gestation allowed Brunner to delve deeply into the album’s themes and sonic textures, exercising full artistic control as both its sole writer and producer. The multi-location recording process suggests a nuanced approach to composition and production, likely incorporating elements from various environments into the final sound. The involvement of several guest musicians further enriches the album’s palette, notably featuring long-time collaborator Karl Blau, who lends his distinctive talents on saxophone and percussion. This collaborative element hints at a rich, layered sound, building upon Brunner’s established idiosyncratic style.
From Touring Musician to Solo Visionary
Jacob Brunner’s musical journey is characterized by a compelling duality: his integral role within established touring acts and his deeply personal output as Strawberry Hands. As a member of Natalie Mering’s Weyes Blood touring band, Brunner has traversed global stages, contributing to the live interpretation of some of the most critically lauded indie-rock albums of the past decade, including Titanic Rising and And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow. Weyes Blood’s music, celebrated for its orchestral arrangements, poignant lyricism, and classic pop sensibilities, undoubtedly provides Brunner with a high-level masterclass in musical craftsmanship and performance dynamics. His experience in such a prominent setting speaks volumes about his musicianship and adaptability.
Beyond his touring commitments, Brunner has also provided supporting roles on records for respected figures within the independent music landscape, such as Karl Blau and Little Wings. Karl Blau, a prolific and respected figure in the Pacific Northwest indie scene, is renowned for his experimental approach to folk, pop, and lo-fi aesthetics. Little Wings, the project of Kyle Field, similarly occupies a unique niche with its introspective, often whimsical folk narratives. These collaborations demonstrate Brunner’s versatility and his affinity for artists who prioritize artistic integrity and unconventional expression. His solo project, Strawberry Hands, emerges from this rich background, synthesizing these diverse influences into a sound that is distinctly his own. The name "Strawberry Hands" itself evokes a sense of delicate artistry combined with a tactile, perhaps even vulnerable, approach to music-making.
"Dream Of Water": A Philosophical Overture
The lead single, "Dream Of Water," offers the first glimpse into the thematic and sonic world of A Jazz Blessing For The Animal. Described as a "lush, idiosyncratic piece of indie-folk," the track immediately establishes a distinctive atmosphere. Brunner’s personal elucidation of the song’s origins reveals a profound intellectual and familial tapestry. He characterizes "Dream Of Water" as "my ode to Ikkyū Sōjun, the Zen outlaw whose poems on unfettered human nature shocked his more dogmatic contemporaries."
Ikkyū Sōjun (1394–1481) was a Japanese Zen Buddhist monk, poet, and calligrapher who became famous for his unconventional behavior and his rejection of the rigid orthodoxy of his time. His life and work were marked by a radical embrace of the sacred within the profane, challenging societal norms and religious dogmas through his candid exploration of sexuality, desire, and the human condition. Ikkyū’s philosophy emphasized direct experience and an authentic, uninhibited approach to life, contrasting sharply with the often-hypocritical spiritual leaders of his era. For Brunner to draw inspiration from Ikkyū suggests a commitment to artistic and personal freedom, a skepticism towards conventional wisdom, and an appreciation for the raw, untamed aspects of human experience. This influence positions "Dream Of Water" not merely as a song, but as a meditation on liberation and authenticity, resonating with a long tradition of artists and thinkers who have sought to break free from established constraints.
Furthermore, Brunner states that the song "is also an ode to my photographer father, whose bookshelf mashup of Henry Miller, Krishnamurti, and Lee Friedlander nudes forged me into a guerrilla of the sacred profane." This statement unveils another layer of profound influence. Henry Miller (1891–1980) was an American writer whose semi-autobiographical novels, often censored for their explicit sexual content, championed individual freedom and artistic expression against societal repression. Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895–1986) was an Indian philosopher, speaker, and writer who questioned traditional spiritual authorities and emphasized the importance of self-inquiry and direct perception of truth, free from dogma or organized religion. Lee Friedlander (b. 1934) is an influential American photographer known for his unconventional street photography and his nuanced, often raw, depictions of the American social landscape, including his significant body of work featuring nudes.
The confluence of these figures—Miller’s literary transgression, Krishnamurti’s spiritual anti-dogmatism, and Friedlander’s unflinching photographic realism—paints a vivid picture of Brunner’s formative intellectual environment. His father’s curated bookshelf evidently provided a foundation for a worldview that embraces paradox, challenges conventional morality, and seeks beauty and truth in the overlooked or forbidden. The phrase "guerrilla of the sacred profane" perfectly encapsulates this synthesis, suggesting an artist who subtly yet powerfully infiltrates and redefines the boundaries between the spiritual and the earthly, the revered and the taboo. This deep well of intellectual and personal influence promises an album rich in lyrical depth and philosophical inquiry, moving beyond superficial indie-folk tropes.
Collaborations and Creative Synergy
The inclusion of Karl Blau on saxophone and percussion is a significant detail, highlighting the collaborative spirit that underpins A Jazz Blessing For The Animal. Blau, an artist celebrated for his eclectic output across various genres, brings a unique sensibility to any project he touches. His multi-instrumental proficiency means his contributions are likely to be nuanced and texturally rich, adding layers of improvisational freedom and rhythmic complexity to Brunner’s compositions. Blau’s long-standing presence in the independent music scene, coupled with his reputation for artistic experimentation, makes him an ideal collaborator for an artist like Brunner, who is clearly pushing boundaries within the indie-folk framework. The specific mention of saxophone suggests melodic and atmospheric contributions, while percussion indicates rhythmic augmentation, both of which could significantly broaden the album’s sonic scope and contribute to its "jazz blessing" aspect.
The Independent Spirit: Otherly Love Records
The album’s release on Otherly Love records is noteworthy within the landscape of independent music. Independent labels often serve as crucial incubators for distinctive artistic voices that might not fit the commercial molds of larger imprints. Otherly Love, by taking on A Jazz Blessing For The Animal, signals its commitment to unique, artist-driven projects. Such labels provide the creative freedom and dedicated support necessary for artists like Brunner to fully realize their visions without external pressures. This partnership is mutually beneficial, allowing Brunner’s nuanced artistry to reach a dedicated audience while further solidifying Otherly Love’s reputation as a purveyor of compelling and authentic music. The choice of an independent label aligns perfectly with the album’s themes of unfettered human nature and challenging dogmatism, mirroring Brunner’s artistic ethos.
A Thematic Journey: Decoding the Tracklist
The tracklist for A Jazz Blessing For The Animal provides further tantalizing clues regarding the album’s thematic content and sonic adventurousness. Titles like "Nude Aria Pissant," "What Plant Jumps Over Me?," "Queen’s Gambit Declined," and "You’ll Never See the Goddess Naked" immediately signal an album that embraces the surreal, the provocative, and the intellectually playful.
"Nude Aria Pissant" combines classical musicality ("Aria") with raw, irreverent imagery, echoing the "sacred profane" theme. "What Plant Jumps Over Me?" suggests a whimsical yet perhaps existential engagement with nature or the subconscious. "Queen’s Gambit Declined" is a direct reference to a chess opening, implying strategic thinking, a refusal of conventional moves, or perhaps a narrative of resistance. This title could signify a rejection of predetermined paths, a theme that resonates with Ikkyū’s rebellious spirit. "You’ll Never See the Goddess Naked" carries strong connotations of hidden truths, the elusive nature of ultimate reality, or perhaps a critique of attempts to fully grasp or commodify the divine or the beautiful.
Other titles like "Song Of Descent," "Gas No," "Erroneous Donut Holes," and the titular "A Jazz Blessing For The Animal" continue this pattern of intriguing juxtaposition and thematic depth. "Song Of Descent" might explore themes of introspection, vulnerability, or a journey into the subconscious. "Gas No" could be a stark, almost minimalist statement, possibly reflecting contemporary anxieties or a direct refusal. "Erroneous Donut Holes" introduces an element of the absurd or the imperfect, hinting at a playful acceptance of flaws. Finally, "A Jazz Blessing For The Animal" itself, as the concluding track, suggests a holistic, perhaps spiritual, benediction offered through the lens of jazz—a genre celebrated for its improvisation, freedom, and deep emotional resonance—to the primal, untamed aspect of existence. Collectively, these titles promise an album that is intellectually stimulating, emotionally resonant, and unafraid to explore the unconventional.
On the Road: East Coast Ensemble, West Coast Solitude
Following the album’s release, Strawberry Hands will embark on an extensive tour, thoughtfully divided into two distinct phases. The East Coast leg, scheduled for late August, will feature Brunner performing with a full band. This format promises a dynamic and robust presentation of the new material, allowing the intricate arrangements and collaborative elements of A Jazz Blessing For The Animal to shine. Key dates include performances at intimate venues like Best Video in Hamden, CT, and the Sunview Luncheonette in Brooklyn, NY, culminating in a significant record release show at Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia on September 13. The choice of Johnny Brenda’s, a beloved Philadelphia institution known for showcasing independent artists, provides a fitting homecoming for Brunner’s album launch.
Subsequently, in mid-September, Jacob Brunner will transition to a series of solo shows out West. This shift in format offers audiences a different, potentially more intimate and stripped-down experience of his music. Solo performances allow Brunner to foreground his songwriting and vocal delivery, emphasizing the raw emotional core of his compositions. The West Coast dates include stops at Permanent Records in Los Angeles, Sub Rosa in Santa Cruz, Adobe Books in San Francisco, and Turn Turn Turn in Portland, OR. This strategic approach to touring—leveraging the power of a full band for the album’s initial East Coast unveiling and then offering a more personal solo interpretation out West—demonstrates Brunner’s versatility as a performer and his commitment to engaging audiences in varied ways.
Looking Ahead: The Evolution of Strawberry Hands
A Jazz Blessing For The Animal represents a significant chapter in Jacob Brunner’s artistic narrative. It showcases his growth not only as a multi-instrumentalist and collaborator but also as a profound songwriter and producer with a distinct philosophical bent. By weaving together influences from Zen outlaws to avant-garde photographers, and by embracing both the lushness of a full band and the intimacy of solo performance, Brunner continues to carve out a unique space within the contemporary indie-folk landscape. This album is poised to be more than just a collection of songs; it is an invitation to engage with complex ideas, to challenge perceptions, and to experience music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The anticipation surrounding its release underscores Brunner’s rising prominence as a compelling and intellectually curious artist.
Essential Release Information and Tour Dates
A Jazz Blessing For The Animal is set to be released on September 18, 2024, on Otherly Love. Pre-orders are available now. The official music video for "Dream Of Water" is available for viewing.
TRACKLIST:
01 "Nude Aria Pissant"
02 "What Plant Jumps Over Me?"
03 "Dream Of Water"
04 "Queen’s Gambit Declined"
05 "You’ll Never See the Goddess Naked"
06 "Song Of Descent"
07 "Gas No"
08 "Erroneous Donut Holes"
09 "A Jazz Blessing For The Animal"
TOUR DATES:
East Coast (Full Band):
8/26 – Hamden, CT @ Best Video
8/27 – Amherst, MA @ Belchertown UCC
8/28 – Brattleboro, VT @ Buoyant Heart
8/29 – Brooklyn, NY @ Sunview Luncheonette
8/30 – Brooklyn, NY @ Flower Love World (house show)
9/13 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s (record release show)
West Coast (Solo):
9/18 – Los Angeles, CA @ Permanent Records
9/19 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Sub Rosa
9/20 – San Francisco, CA @ Adobe Books
9/21 – Portland, OR @ Turn Turn Turn
