Brooklyn Voices – January 2014

January 6, 2014 by David K. Moseder

garland jeffreys

Ditmas Park-based rockers The National are curating a Grateful Dead tribute album to support the non-profit Red Hot Organization, an international organization dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture. Vampire Weekend and Bon Iver are among the groups who have signed on so far. The album is due out in 2014…

Guitarist Bryce Dessner of The National has teamed with The Kronos Quartet to release Aheym, a new, classically themed album that also features the Brooklyn Youth Chorus…

”Give it a listen!” is Bruce Springsteen’s endorsement of Truth Serum, the new album from veteran rocker and Sheepshead Bay native Garland Jeffreys…Brooklyn in the Rain, a love-and-loss song we can all relate to, leads off Steel and Salt, the fine new album from Flatbush’s Carolann Solebello, who we profiled in Brooklyn Roads, Vol. 3, Issue 2…

The Soundtrack of My Life, music executive Clive Davis’ account of his five decades in the recording industry, is now available in paperback. Davis, who grew up in Crown Heights and attended Erasmus Hall High School, has signed, produced, championed or collaborated with a Who’s Who of rock and pop megastars, including fellow Brooklynites Barry Manilow, Lou Reed and Notorious B.I.G., as well as the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Santana, Aerosmith, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys and countless others…

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical opened at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre on Broadway. It features classic songs by Carole King and Gerry Goffin as well as another legendary Brooklyn songwriting duo, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weill…

Speaking of songwriting legends, the critically acclaimeddocumentary AKA Doc Pomus is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray. Pomus, born Jerome Felder in Williamsburg in 1925,wrote more than 1,000 rock andpop songs (many in collaboration with Brighton Beach native Mort Shuman) for Elvis Presley, Dion, Ray Charles, B.B. King, The Drifters and many more…

rubble bucket

Eben Pariser, one-fifth of local band Roosevelt Dime, has teamed up with Molly Venter of Brooklyn “expatriates” Red Molly, for a side project blending pop, country and Americana. Pariser and Venter’s collaborative name, and that of their CD’s title track, isGoodnight Moonshine…

Rubblebucket has released the EP Save Charlie, along with a video of the title song, as a prelude to a full-length released slated for early 2014. Trout Recording in Park Slope is handling the production chores. Notable Quotes: “This [the music industry] was work, but it was the awakening to what was to become a life’s passion.” –Clive Davis

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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