Articles by Howard B. Leibowitz

All music…All Brooklyn!

July 6, 2014 by Howard B. Leibowitz

With the winter a distant memory and before the dog days of August are upon us, Brooklyn Roads thought a quick look back at the burgeoning BK... read article

La Mecanica Popular: Psychedelic Salsa, Brooklyn Style

January 6, 2014 by Howard B. Leibowitz

When thinking of salsa music, Brooklyn may not be the first place that comes to mind. But Efrain Rozas wanted to help change that equation... read article

A Winning Warm-Up For a Sizzling Summer

April 6, 2013 by Howard B. Leibowitz

We’re thrilled to present the long–awaited pre-summer issue of BK Roads,our all music, all Brooklyn webzine, spotlighting three multi-talented Brooklyn artists. Although their music is... read article

A Musical Family Tree Grows in Brooklyn

October 6, 2012 by Howard B. Leibowitz

2012 marks the centennial of the birth of legendary American icon Woody Guthrie, who lived for some time in Coney Island. It just so happens... read article

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

The Unbounded Glory of Woody Guthrie

October 6, 2012 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... read article

Celebrating Brooklyn in Music

November 6, 2011 by Howard B. Leibowitz

As we approach the winter and move indoors, warm thoughts come to mind about this past summer’s outdoor music scene here in Brooklyn–now known in... read article

Christine Vaindirlis: Right at Home a Long Way from Home

June 6, 2011 by Howard B. Leibowitz

Christine Vaindirlis is living proof of our contention that, musically speaking, all roads lead to Brooklyn. Having called London, Milan (where she trained under La... read article

Musical Fireworks and Hot August Nights

June 6, 2011 by Howard B. Leibowitz

Brooklyn Roads is looking forward to another lively summer of music, despite a few setbacks on the Coney Island front. After 10 rockin’ years, The... read article

Full of Soul and Inspiration, The Sweet Divines Live Up to Their Name

January 6, 2011 by Howard B. Leibowitz

The Sweet Divines, four young ladies who sing old school soul, live up to the expectations raised by their evocative, self-descriptive name. This is no... read article

Digging Into A Tuneful New Year

January 6, 2011 by Howard B. Leibowitz

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... read article

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Artists on our Radar

Janet LaBelle Takes the Spotlight: Blending Vintage Vibes with Modern Magic

Janet Labelle With Guitar In Hand / photo by John Nyboer

Dynamic Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Janet LaBelle continues to push her creative boundaries. Known for her unique ability to fuse analog warmth with modern production, LaBelle has been praised by Jersey Beat for her “sweet voice and sharp, thoughtful songwriting,” and her newest projects are no exception. Her music defies easy categorization, effortlessly blending elements of folk, classic rock, and pop into a sound that feels both fresh and timeless. LaBelle recently released her single “Day in the Sun” on September 13 via her own Wild Violet Records, and it has already been captivating audiences with its sunny melodies and deeply personal narrative. The song, inspired by a meaningful hike with a friend in 2023, showcases her talent for finding beauty in simplicity, a theme that resonates through much of her work. The inclusion of horns marks an exciting creative evolution, adding a new layer of depth to her already richly textured sound. Throughout her career, LaBelle has explored a wide range of musical styles. She first made waves as a teenager in the punk-pop band Avery, and since then, her solo work has spanned genres like classic rock, folk, pop, and even French chanson. Her previous EPs, including Moon Songs (2010) and Blossom & Blue (2011), demonstrate her eclectic tastes, with influences ranging from surf rock to vintage country. Working with respected producers such as Evan Taylor (Bernie Worrell) and Tony Maimone (Pere Ubu, They Might Be Giants), LaBelle continues to expand her sound, evolving with each new release. Fans can catch her live at upcoming performances, including a show at Our Wicked Lady on September 24th and at Sleepwalk on December 3rd. These live shows will give listeners a chance to hear both her new and classic material in an up-close setting. Her combination of memorable songs, captivating performances and a unique voice sets her apart as an artist who continues to rise, drawing listeners in with every new creation.

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