Brooklyn Voices – September 2014

September 5, 2014 by David K. Moseder

Shenandoah Congrats to local indie pop-swing band Lake Street Dive. Their Bad Self Portraits album reached number two among Billboard’s Independent Albums and number five on the Top Rock Albums chart. The foursome wowed the crowd at Celebrate Brooklyn! this summer…TV on the Radio has announced that their new album,Seeds, will be released in November. It is their first full-length release since the death from lung cancer of bassist Gerard Smith in April 2011. One track, Happy Idiot, is already available online…Shenandoah and the Night (profiled in Brooklyn Roads Volume 2, Issue 2) recently issued 100 Wants, Part One, the first in a series of quarterly digital releases that will culminate in a vinyl compilation. The group kicked off a promotional tour with a September gig at Friends and Lovers in Prospect Heights…Black Hours is the debut solo studio album by The Walkmen‘s Hamilton Leithauser. It features bandmate Paul Maroon and guest appearances by Amber Coffman from Dirty Projectors and Vampire Weekend’s Rostam Batmanglij, among others. Earlier this year the group’s organist/bassist Walter Martin released his second solo effort, We’re All Young Together, via Family Jukebox…Bad news: Grizzly Bear guitarist/vocalist and longtime Greenpoint resident Daniel Rossen is moving to L.A. Good news: During a recent solo tour, he hinted t
hat the Brooklyn-based band may regroup next year, “if it feels natural”…Mark Allen Berube, whose quirky, humorous songs have made him a darling of the folk-fest set, will be releasing a new CD, Sticky, this fall. Also in the works from Berube: a new “Folkin’ the ‘80s” show with Brooklyn ex-pat Sharon Goldman that will be streamed live via Concert Window…Among the other current releases we’re listening to at Brooklyn Roads are Teeth Dreams by The Hold Steady, Real Estate’s Atlas, folk duo Wool & Grant ’s eponymous CD and Roosevelt Dime’s Full Head of Steam.

Notable Quotes: “Joan Rivers made me realize a Jewish girl from Brooklyn could actually play with the big boys. She made it look so easy while it was very tough for her. Even at 81, she was still breaking down doors for the rest of us who followed her.” –Carole Montgomery

Editor’s Note: When Joan Rivers’ The Late Show began its all-too-brief run on the fledgling FOX network on Oct. 6, 1986, it opened the doors for edgier musical acts that would never get late-night exposure on Johnny Carson’s more mainstream Tonight Show. On any given night her viewers might be treated to the likes of Husker Du, Psychedelic Furs, Oingo Boingo, Poison and Duran Duran.

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.

... read article