The Unbounded Glory of Woody Guthrie

October 6, 2012 by Howard B. Leibowitz

Woody at 100 Concert at Brooklyn College/ © 2012/ photo by Howard B. Leibowitz

Brooklyn Roads was honored to have been at Brooklyn College‘s Walt Whitman Theater for the Woody Guthrie Centennial Concert in September. This incredible evening was one of a yearlong worldwide series of events and concerts that were put together by The Grammy Museum, Woody Guthrie Publications, Inc. and the Woody Guthrie Archives to commemorate the life and career of folk music legend Woody Guthrie.

The Brooklyn installment of the “This Land Is Your Land Concert“ series featured Billy Bragg, Judy Collins, John Cohen & The Dustbusters, Steve Earle, The Klezmatics, Mike & Ruthy, Pete Seeger, the Tony Trischka Band, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason (Arlo Guthrie was also scheduled to perform, but had to bow out due to his wife Jackie’s illness) .There were also special guests such as Brooklyn College alumnus Oscar Brand, whose Folksong Festival radio program has been on WNYC Radio (wnyc.org) since 1945.

A tireless Nora Guthrie told how her formative years growing up in Brooklyn caused some consternation for Woody Guthrie devotees during her travels as she was repeatedly asked about her accent. “People always say, ‘Are you from Oklahoma? You don’t sound like Woody Guthrie’s daughter!’ And I would go ‘No! I’m from Brooklyn!’”

Kenny Kosek and Billy Bragg / photo © 2012 by Howard B. Leibowitz

Billy Bragg told Brooklyn Roads that there is an abundance of interest in Woody Guthrie in places such as the UK. He had just performed some centennial shows in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland and is headed to play Woody concerts in Australia “where he’s very popular…Mermaid Avenuewent gold in Australia. It amazes me that they love Woody there.” He went on to tell us that Nora had invited him to come to Coney Island, as they were having a family tribute by the beach in July. “When we got down there, she asked me to sing that song Go Down To the Water, which I played tonight.”

All of the above has inspired us to present our own tribute to the Guthrie family in this edition of Brooklyn Roadsand offer our condolences to Arlo Guthrie and his family on the passing of his wife, Jackie on October 14, 2012

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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