Digging Into A Tuneful New Year

January 6, 2011 by Howard B. Leibowitz

intro-Jay-Z Although this past year ended with everyone digging out of the snow, we prefer to remember the great variety of home-grown music Brooklynites were digging all year long. In that spirit, we’re eager to start the new decade in the burgeoning musical capital of the East Coast. We usher in 2011 with glad tidings for our readers and kudos for an array of the borough’s best and brightest artists.

We start by sending out huge congratulations to a pair of Erasmus Hall High School alumni, Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand, whose accomplishments will be recognized at upcoming ceremonies. After years of incomprehensible snubs by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Neil will take his rightful place among its inductees in March. Though categorized as a performer, Neil also joins an extensive list of Brooklyn songwriters in the Hall, including Jeff Barry, Gerry Goffin, Ellie Greenwich, Woody Guthrie, Carole King, Barry Mann, Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman and Cynthia Weill.

Barbra Streisand is being honored by The Recording Academy as its MusiCares Person of the Year in conjunction with the 2011 Grammy Awards. Her musical and philanthropic achievements will be saluted on Feb. 11th with an all-star fundraising dinner and concert featuring Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Kristin Chenoweth, Donna Summer and fellow Brooklynite Barry Manilow.

Going for the Grammy

Two nights later Barbra and Barry go head to head (or should we say throat to throat) in the Grammy competition for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. Her Love Is the Answer and his The Greatest Love Songs of All Time are two of the five nominees.

Jay-Z, whose autobiography Decoded begins the New Year in the top 10 on the New York Times Best Sellers List, is up for several Grammys including Record Of The Year and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, both for his duet with Alicia Keys on Empire State of Mind; Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group, On To The Next One (with Swizz Beatz); and Best Rap Album, The Blueprint 3.

In the category of Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Halo (Live) by Jay-Z’s wife Beyonce competes with Norah Jones’ Chasing Pirates (from her album The Fall). Vampire Weekend hopes Contra will take home the Best Alternative Music Album trophy while Laurie Anderson could walk away with Best Pop Instrumental Performance honors for Flow (from Homeland).

More Kudos and Congratulations

On the radio front, Neil Diamond and Vampire Weekend were among the Brooklyn artists whose CDs got an enthusiastic shout-out from staffers at WFUV-FM in their annual “Best of 2010” top 10 lists. The National’s High Violet was far away the most popular album, being represented on 10 such lists. Others garnering kudos for their work include Citizen Cope (The Rainwater LP), The Hold Steady (Heaven Is Whenever), Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings (I Learned the Hard Way), Matt & Kim (Sidewalks) and Sleigh Bells (Treats).

Brooklyn Roads would like to bestow kudos on our loyal readers who enjoy this newsletter and share it with their friends. We are so grateful to all of you for helping us to grow our network and allowing us to bring you more music news in 2011.

Brooklyn is truly one of the nation’s number one music hubs and we welcome your feedback on stories you’d like to see.

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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