February: A Short Month That’s Long on the Music We Love

January 24, 2018 by David K. Moseder

Jason Isbell at Celebrate Brooklyn! /photo by Al Pereira

For lovers of great music, every day in February is Valentine’s Day in Brooklyn. The year’s shortest month is long on great sounds from local artists and visiting performers alike. Here is a sampling:

Grammy-winning roots singer-songwriter Jason Isbell, who wowed the crowd at Celebrate Brooklyn! in 2015, returns to our borough on February 3. This time he’s performing at Kings Theatre with his band, The 400 Unit, and opening act James McMurtry.

Williamsburg-based Latin rockers Cartagena the Band play at Pete’s Candy Store on February 9. Two popular local bands – Sleigh Bells and Sunflower Bean – take the stage at Brooklyn Steel on February 13. Four nights later there, another home-grown act, Rubblebucket, opens for New Orleans quintet Galactic.

Antibalas / photo by Al Pereira

February highlights at Brooklyn Bowl include the legendary reggae band The Wailers on the 14^th and 15^th, followed by Brooklyn’s own Antibalas on the 17^th and, for country music fans, Corey Smith on the 28^th. On the 17^th, Barclays Center presents “Ladies Night R&B Super Jam,” with Xscaoe, Bobby Brown, Bell Biv Devoe, K-CI & JoJo, Faith Evans, Tank, Stokley (of Mint Condition) and Blackstreet. The Bell House closes out February with two nights of Modern Lovers founder Jonathan Richman with Tommy Larkins on drums.

New Music Update

Andrew VanWyngarden / photo by Al Pereira

MGMT’s long-awaited fourth album, Little Dark Age, debuts February 9. The duo’s current tour includes shows at Kings Theatre and Brooklyn Steel on March 24 and 25, respectively. On February 15, First Acoustics present Carolann Solebello’s Hometown CD Release show. The new album, the follow-up to 2014’s Steel and Salt, is called Shiver. The following evening, Brooklyn Raga Massive presents a CD release party for Sameer Gupta’s A Circle Has No Beginning at Littlefield. The Brandee Younger Trio will open the show. Lucius’ new acoustic album, Nudes, is slated for a March 2 debut. Williamsburg duo Matt and Kim have a brand new single and video called “Forever.” You can catch it online now and hear them sing it live when the play Brooklyn Steel n April 28. India-born Marine Park singer-songwriter Nishi Rajan is currently finishing production on her new album Master of My Fate; stay tuned. Belated congrats to Fabolous and Jadakiss, whose Friday on Elm Street debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200 in December. For Brooklyn rapper Fabolous, this is his sixth top 10 album.

Beyond Brooklyn

Local artists playing just across the East River in February include Joan Osborne at Highline Ballroom on the 10^th, American Nomads the following evening at Mercury Lounge, and Garland Jeffreys at City Winery on the 24^th.

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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