New Music Friday: Brittany Howard and a new era of musical masters

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, 2024)
4. Kali Malone, All Life Long
5. Sonic Youth, Walls Have Ears

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?