Brooklyn VOICES – November 2015

November 3, 2015 by David K. Moseder

They Might Be Giants will release their fifth children’s album, Why?, on Black Friday. Their current release, Glean, is the group’s fourth highest charting album, peaking at 67 on the Billboard charts. TMBG are also wrapping up their last-Sunday-of-the-month series at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn with shows on November 29 and New Year’s Eve…Pavo Pavo, the innovative pop band that opened for Lucius at Celebrate Brooklyn! this summer, is currently being featured on Shaking Through, a documentary web series about the vision and process of recording music. The group is seen during a recording session for their song Check the Weather…The Punch Brothers’ The Phosphorescent Blues, which hit number one on the Billboard Bluegrass chart in March (and stayed there for seven weeks), is still hanging in the Top 10…Congrats to Crown Heights rapper Skyzoo, whose summer release, Music For My Friends, became his fourth consecutive album to crack the top 40 of Billboard’s R&B charts…Soulful, four-octave-range singer Maya Azucena, whose last full-length release, Cry Love, made several “Best of” lists, is currently in the recording studio working on a new project. It’s expected to be released before the end of 2015… Look for Summertime Shootout, a new mixtape from Fabolous, to drop this fall… The as-yet-unnamed fourth studio album from experimental rockers Yeasayer, the follow-up to 2012’s high-charting Fragrant World, should also be available before year’s end.

Norah Jones / photo by Howard B. Leibowitz / B.L.Howard Productions

Notable Quote: “This man has it all… Talent, soul, positivity, kindness, moves and a killer fashion sense bundled into a super human.” —Nicole Atkins on R&B singer Charles Bradley. Atkins, Bradley, Norah Jones and Caveman represented Brooklyn at September’s “Neilfest” at the Bowery Ballroom.

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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