Brooklyn Voices – July 2014

July 6, 2014 by David K. Moseder

“These songs are especially deep for me,” says Joan Osborne about her new CD, Love and Hate She wrote or co-wrote all 12 tracks, making it her most intimate album to date…It’s been a busy year so far for Fabolous: He recently released an extended version ofCuffin Season on video, is featured on the new Mariah Carey album, introduced the Brooklyn Nets during Game 6 of their playoff against the Raptors, and is working on the soon-to-be-releasedLoso’s Way II… No Fools, No Fun, recorded at Brooklyn’s Studio G, is the debut album from Puss n Boots—Norah Jones’ collaboration with Sasha Dobson and Catherine Popper. The group celebrated the July 15th with a live performance at The Bell House in Gowanus…Nicole Atkins (featured in Brooklyn Roads Volume 3, Issue 3) cracked the top 10 of Billboard’s Folk and Heartseeker charts with her new album, Slow Phaser, which also made the top 40 among Independent and Top Rock releases. By the way, her video of Girl, You Look Amazing is a riot…Michael Moore callsMistaken for Strangers, the new film about The National directed by frontman Matt Berringer’s brother Tom,
“One of the best documentaries about a band that I’ve ever seen”… The video forDigital Witness, the breakout track from the new self-titled album bySt. Vincent (aka Annie Clark) has racked up more than 1.4 million hits on YouTube… Americana/roots singer-songwriter Roger Street Friedman’s debut CD, The Waiting Sky, was recorded by fellow Brooklynite Felix McTeigue at several studios around the borough, including Saltlands, Strangeweather, McTeigue’s own 802 Media Group and Friedman’s home studio… It’s been three years since The Pains of Being Pure at Heart’s last album, but indie pop band hasn’t abandoned us. They’ve just released Days of Abandon, which has already spawned two singles, Simple and Sure and Eurydice.

Notable Quote: “Pete Seeger was a messenger of universal love and peace. He was my first inspiration to write and share music in my own way. God bless.” –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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