Celebrity Interviews! New Artist Profiles! Contests! Brooklyn Music Venue Picks! April 2010

April 6, 2010 by Howard B. Leibowitz

What exactly is it about Brooklyn that intrigues the planet? Is it the water, the air, the bridge, the trees, the parks, the beaches, the boardwalk or the streets? More likely it’s the steady stream and mix of a diverse citizenry who have added their talents, voices and dreams to everything else that Brooklyn was, is and will become. No one can really explain what has inspired artists over the centuries or why people of so many places around the globe have been taken with the Brooklyn mystique. Even those who left the borough long ago are Brooklynites still and so many have made an indelible mark on the world of music.

Now that Brooklyn has finally become “respectable” and a hot bed of musical creativity, we started this newsletter to give our readers a one stop music resource. We’re planning on having an interview in each issue with a group or individual who is from Brooklyn and has made a contribution to the art of music culture, while our “Artists on the Horizon” will give you a peek at some very talented, but as yet undiscovered Brooklyn musicians. “Back In The Day” will surprise you with a capsulated cornucopia of Brooklyn’s contributions to the world of music and “Brooklyn Voices” will contain an overview of Brooklyn music and events. If you’re truly in the Brooklyn know, you’ll also have a chance to test your knowledge.

This first issue starts out with a bit of a historical musical journey with Brooklyn’s number one music booster, Marty Markowitz, our energetic Borough President. Marty has given us a look into why and how he started his now legendary Brooklyn concerts. In future issues, we plan to explore the legacies of Brooklyn’s music luminaries, shining our spotlight on the best and brightest.

As our first newsletter goes out to virtual press, we’d like to invite you to participate in what is envisioned as a vibrant way of musically connecting all the moving parts of the greater Brooklyn community. We’ll look to you to let us know how we’re doing in our “Say What?” feature and by your participating in our contests and by supporting the musicians, venues and music organizations who call Brooklyn home.

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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