Brooklyn Voices – April 2013

April 6, 2013 by David K. Moseder

skyzoo

The Lone Bellow describes its sound as “Brooklyn country music,” but its self-titled debut album also brings elements of acoustic rock, folk and gospel-tinged three-part harmonies into the mix. The group got together a few years ago at Dizzy’s Diner in Park Slope and, after a gig at South Slope’s Roots Café, they were invited to tour with Grammy-winning duo The Civil Wars, which led to a deal with Descendant Records…Mistaken for Strangers, a documentary about The National directed by Tom Berninger, brother of the band’s frontman Mike Berninger, premiered at New York City’s Tribeca Film Festivalin April. The National’s new album, Fake Empire, will be released in May. The group will play the Barclay Center June 5 before embarking on a tour with fellow Brooklynites The Dirty Projectors, whose video for their song
About to Die is approaching 200,000 hits on YouTube…Jay Z can be heard on the soundtrack of The Great Gatsby, due out in May. The Bedford-Stuyvesant-born hip-hop mogul also produced and arranged music for the film… …It’s a Brooklyn Trifecta: Skyzoo, with an assist from Talib Kweli, pays tribute to a great home-grown filmmaker in the song and video, Spike Lee Was My Hero, from Skyzoo’s A Dream Deferred album…If you missed the September gig at Williamsburg Park by Williamsburg’s St. Vincent (Annie Clark) and frequent Brooklyn visitor David Byrne that introduced the duo’s album Love This Giant, you’re going to have to go out of town to catch them. They embark on a 44-city tour of the U.S. and Europe in June. Notable Quote: “Brooklyn is not the easiest place to grow up in, although I wouldn’t change that experience for anything.” —Neil Diamond

Artists on our Radar

Jessi Robertson: A Voice for the Vulnerable

Jessi Robertson-Memory and Abandoned Parts Album Art

Jessi Robertson is a powerhouse voice that captivates you from the first note. In a world where music is often a safe place for personal expression, she stands out as a compelling voice for the vulnerable. With her vivid lyrics and haunting melodies, her over 15-year career as a musician has carved a way for herself in the folk and Americana music scene, captivating audiences with her raw honesty and emotional depth. Born in a small town in upstate New York, Robertson’s journey into music began at an early age. Robertson moved to Brooklyn in 2003, as she honed her craft, recognizing its ability to speak directly to the human experience with authenticity and sincerity. Once in BK, she released her debut album, “Small Town Girls,” in 2010, which gained much traction for its lyrics and soul-stirring melodies. Following this came her 2014 release “I Came From The War.” Throughout her career, Robertson has fearlessly tackled themes ranging from love and loss to social justice and mental health. Her most recent release, “Memory and Abandoned Parts (15-Year Anniversary Edition of Who We Are, What We Have Done)” is a re-release of her original 2008 album. She continues to push the boundaries of her artistry, as the release explores the complexities of the human condition. Robertson’s impact extends beyond the recording studio. Recognizing the power of music to effect change, she uses her platform to advocate for issues close to her heart. Whether performing at charity events or speaking out on social media, Robertson is committed to using her art as a force for good. Through her music, Robertson invites listeners to confront the complexities of the human experience with empathy and compassion, reminding us of the power of art to bridge divides and inspire change. As she continues to evolve as an artist and an advocate, one thing remains certain: Jessi Robertson’s voice will echo in the hearts and minds of listeners for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

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