Brooklyn Voices: There’s No Place Like Here for the Holidays

November 1, 2017 by David K. Moseder

The holiday season will soon be in full swing, and we’re thankful to be living in a borough with such bountiful music choices. In the mere five-plus weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, for example, there’s hip hop, R&B, jazz, alt-rock, modern rock, Americana, avante-garde, ethnic-infused rhythms and so much more. So make merry and unwrap some of the following musical gifts…from Brooklyn to you.

St. Vincent /photo by Howard B. Leibowitz / courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

Two Brooklyn icons – Bed-Stuy native Jay-Z and longtime resident St. Vincent (Annie Clark) – are in town for concerts in support of their new albums. Jay-Z’s “4:44 Tour” comes to Barclays Center November 26-27, while St. Vincent will be featuring music from Masseduction when she plays Kings Theatre December 2-3.

The Hold Steady is back in their home borough, playing four “Massive Nights” at Brooklyn Bowl, November 29 – December 2, with a different surprise opening act planned for each show.

Craig Finn of The Hold Steady / photo by Howard B. Leibowitz / courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

Brooklyn Steel presents Spoon, November 28-29; Deer Tick, December 2; and local favorites LCD Soundsystem, with 10 dates between December 11-23. LCD recently released American Dream, their first new album in seven years.

Local Balkan-soul/gypsy-funk sensations Slavic Soul Party and Brooklyn jazz drummer Oscar Noriega and his Crooked Trio continue their respective Tuesday and Friday night gigs at Barbès through the end of the year and into 2018. Celtic pub band Three Pints Shy, featuring Brooklyn’s own Jonathan Siregar, will be part of The Way Station’s “Whiskey Wednesdays” series on November 29.

At Pete’s Candy Store, St. Louis singer-songwriter Nick Gusman takes the stage supported by members of Brooklyn’s own Mail the Horse on November 24. Two solo shows play there the following Tuesday: frequent Brooklyn visitor Abbie Gardner accompanying herself on dobro, followed by local guitarist Harold Davis, aka Fro. Williamsburg native Vic Thrill, former lead singer for the Bogmen, continues his Saturday evening residency at Pete’s through December 30.

Abbie Gardner / photo by Al Pereira

Music Hall of Williamsburg hosts Bay Ridge native Kevin Devine on December 16 and brings 2017 to a fun, rocking end with a double dip of local legends They Might Be Giants, December 30-31. Other New Year’s Eve shows of note include Lettuce at Brooklyn Bowl, Diarrhea Planet at Rough Trade, and Daptone recording artists The Budos Band, with local “garage soul” septet Evolfo, at the Knitting Factory.

Brooklyn Music: The Gift the Keeps on Giving

Looking for Hanukkah gifts or Christmas stocking stuffers? There are several new, recent and soon-to-debut releases from local or Brooklyn-connected artists. In addition to the albums cited above, consider Garland Jeffreys’ 14 Steps to Harlem, Nicole Atkins’ Goodnight Rhonda Lee, More! from Terry Radigan, Painted Ruins from Grizzly Bear, The Lone Bellow’s Walk Into a Storm, Sleigh Bells’ Kid Kruschev, Capacity from Big Thief, Three Futures from Torres (Mackenzie Scott), Sharon Jones’ posthumous Soul of a Woman, and a pair of Dylan tribute albums: Joan Obsorne’s Songs of Bob Dylan and Willie Nile’s Positively Bob.

Norah Jones and Lake Street Dive add a dash of Brooklyn spirit to the new Holidays Rule, Volume 2 album, which also features such luminaries as Paul McCartney (with The Roots and Bay Ridge native Jimmy Fallon), Roseanne Cash and The Decemberists.

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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