Articles by David K. Moseder

Shinobi Ninja photo by Sergmatick / courtesy of Shinobi Ninja

Shinobi Ninja: Eclectic Musical Warriors Pool Their Talents

September 10, 2017 by David K. Moseder

Duke Sims of Shinobi Ninja tells Brooklyn Roads that he never made a conscious decision to play music for a living; rather, “It’s the journey,” he... read article

Willie Nile’s ‘Positively Bob’ Is Positively Brilliant

July 23, 2017 by David K. Moseder

Before the catch-all term “Americana” was coined, there was a thing called “folk-rock.” Willie Nile helped keep that genre alive, adding a dash of punk... read article

Third World at BAM R & B Festival-Summer 2014 photo by Danny Kapilian

Danny Kapilian: The Art of Presenting Live Music

July 13, 2017 by David K. Moseder

Not all artists on the music scene perform on stage. Some work their magic behind the scenes – flying under the radar, as it were.... read article

Dougmore banjo-5275-photo by Lauren Desberg

Dougmore With His Banjo photo by Lauren Desberg

Digging Dougmore, From Brooklyn to the ‘Outerboros’

June 7, 2017 by David K. Moseder

“The bluegrass scene in Brooklyn has been in my family since I was a teenager,” innovative musician Dougmore tells Brooklyn Roads. “I’m always awestruck by... read article

Northside Festival McCarren Park Stage photo courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

Brooklyn Basks in June Is “NY Music Month” Spotlight

June 1, 2017 by David K. Moseder

Music has always been at the core of New York culture. Indeed, the city’s iconic nickname, The Big Apple, was popularized by jazz musicians in... read article

The Roofer's Union photo by Sandy Honig

The Roofer’s Union Builds a Following in Brooklyn

May 14, 2017 by David K. Moseder

Like many bands coming out of Brooklyn these days, The Roofer’s Union plays genre-bending music that is hard to nail down. While their style falls... read article

Garland Jeffreys photo by Howard B. Leibowitz/ B.L.Howard Productions

Brooklyn’s Spring Music Scene Is in Full Bloom

May 4, 2017 by David K. Moseder

Spring is finally in full flower – and so is Brooklyn’s ever-blossoming music scene. Our borough is fertile ground for cultivating new talent and May-June... read article

Abbie Gardner Photo by Al Pereira

April Is Showering Brooklyn With More Great Music

March 28, 2017 by David K. Moseder

A brand new performance venue, some old friends and plenty of local talent are blooming in Brooklyn’s ever-growing musical gardens this spring. Here a few... read article

Lake Street Dive/ photo by Mandy Pichler Mandy Pichler Photography

Brooklyn’s Got the Cure for the Wintertime Blues

February 2, 2017 by David K. Moseder

The cold weeks ahead include such warm celebratory occasions as Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day and the ushering in of (at last!) spring. Brooklyn’s myriad... read article

‘Johnny Pisano’s Punk Rock Pizzeria’ Serves Up Nine Tasty Slices

January 31, 2017 by David K. Moseder

“Don’t want to be something that I’m not / don’t want to change ’cause I know what I’ve got.” That line from the opening track... read article

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Artists on our Radar

Eric Stern: Brooklyn Born, Jazz Driven

Eric Stern/photo by Hoyeon Choi/ courtesy of the artist

Brooklyn has long been home to innovative artists, and pianist-composer Eric Stern is no exception. Born and raised in the borough, Stern’s sound is a fusion of jazz, Latin, and classical influences shaped by his upbringing and New York City’s diverse musical landscape. Stern’s love for music began at home, where classical compositions played daily on WQXR alongside Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. His exploration led him to jazz and salsa, drawn to artists like Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Miles Davis. His participation in Belongo’s Fat Cats program, a youth music initiative, deepened his passion for Afro-Latin music, exposing him to icons like Chico O’Farrill and Tito Puente. Though he played in school jazz bands and youth programs, it was at Fat Cats—rehearsing every Sunday at the former Fat Cat jazz club (now Cellar Dog)—that his passion crystallized. “It was sheer joy,” Stern recalls. The experience drove him to practice for hours daily, solidifying his decision to pursue music professionally. Stern studied at the University of Miami, where he formed a quartet with trumpet, piano, bass, and drums, performing across Miami until 2022. Adding saxophonist Dylan McHann that fall elevated the group into its current quintet form. Since returning to Brooklyn, the lineup has shifted, now featuring Chris Ferrari (tenor sax/flute), Joey Curreri (trumpet), Cookie Stephenson (bass), and Peru Eizagirre (drums), with Stern leading on piano and compositions. Brooklyn’s underground jazz scene remains central to Stern’s creative evolution. While Manhattan is home to institutions like the Village Vanguard and the Blue Note, he finds Brooklyn’s avant-garde spaces—Ornithology Jazz Club, Bar Bayeux, and ShapeShifter Lab more experimental and inspiring. At the heart of Stern’s music is a simple mission: joy. “That’s the only thing I really care about. If selling a million records and being super famous is able to do that, great. If not, I don’t really mind. I just want to give other people who listen and hear the music the same joy I have in playing and creating it.” Eric Stern is one to watch for those seeking a fresh, dynamic voice in Brooklyn’s jazz scene. “Why not perform in Brooklyn?” he says. “There are so many great spaces to play—why not make it happen?”

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