Brooklyn Voices – March 2015

May 16, 2015 by David K. Moseder

Sharon Van Etten Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Congratulations to Brooklyn’s newest Grammy Award winners: Angelique Kidjo (Best World Music Album, Eve) and St. Vincent (Best Alternative Music Album, St. Vincent)… The latter was also the fourth biggest vote-getter in the Village Voice Pazz+Jop Poll, while Sharon Van Etten’s Are We There was The Voice’s number 15 album…St. Vincent, Van Etten and Lana Del Rey (Brooklyn Baby) will represent Brooklyn at the Governors Ball Music Festival on Randall’s Island in June…Sufjan Stevens’ highly anticipated new album, Carrie & Lowell, is slated for a March 31 release digitally, on CD, and on both black and clear vinyl. The Michigan native has lived in Kensington for the last several years and he also has an office in DUMBO…The Lone Bellow’s tour in support of their new album, Then Came the Morning, will include a concert at Music Hall of Williamsburg (March 26) and a gig in Las Vegas at – where else? – Brooklyn Bowl. The group calls Park Slope home and the album’s producer, The National’s Aaron Dessner, lives in Ditmas Park…

Lana Del Rey Photo courtesy of Shore Fire Media

Matt and Kim are set to release their fifth album, New Glow on April 7. The video of Get It, the first single from this latest effort by the Williamsburg duo, has garnered more than a quarter of a million views since its mid-January release…Hot on the heels of their recent Drum Wars Live! CD, legendary rock drummers (and New Utrecht High School alumni) Carmine Appice and Vinny Appice say they are planning to take their show on the road again later this year, playing songs they have performed with the likes of Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Rod Stewart and others. Carmine is currently touring with Vanilla Fudge in support of their new album of covers, Spirit of ’67…And getting back to the Grammys, Joan Rivers’ win for Best Spoken Word Album (Diary of a Mad Diva) was music to our ears. We only wish it wasn’t awarded posthumously.

Notable Quote: “I didn’t really care what Lieber and Stoller thought of my songs. They didn’t like ’em, but [Williamsburg native] Doc Pomus did. Doc’s songs, they were better… This Magic Moment, Lonely Avenue, Save the Last Dance for Me. Those songs broke my heart. I figured I’d rather have his blessings any day than theirs.” –Bob Dylan, excerpted from his MusiCares Person of the Year acceptance speech.

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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