Back on Our Radar: New Music From Old Favorites

January 13, 2021 by David K. Moseder

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot?” Not at Brooklyn Roads. We’re starting 2021 by checking in with some local artists we have featured over the years and noting what they’ve been up in the last year or so.

Pauline Jean/ photo by Joey Rosado/ courtesy of the artist

Haitian American Brooklynite Pauline Jean, who we interviewed in October 2019, issued the single and video “Ain’t I a Woman (Singing Truth)” on August 6, 2020. The release date for the song –- an ode to African American abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth –marked the 55th anniversary of the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Jazz/hip-hop band Quarter Water released More Flavors, a follow-up EP to their 2018 debut release, Flavors. Standout tracks include “What’s the Word” and “Spotlights.” In December 2020, they contributed a track, “Feel the Same” to Songs of Solidarity, a benefit compilation for local hospitality workers still out of work due to COVID-19.

Shiny New Model– Bodega-album cover

When we interviewed Bodega’s Ben Hozie back in 2019, they had just released their first album, Endless Scroll. They have since issue a follow-up EP, Shiny New Model.

Late in 2020, Mother Feather released a kick-ass new single and video, “You’re a Dead Man.” The glam/punk-rock band, fronted by Ann Courtney and Elizabeth Carena, wowed us with their show at the Knitting Factory in December 2018.

AMFM, the indie-rock art project of singer-songwriter David Caruso, launched two singles in 2020: “Waves” early in the year and “Wednesday” shortly before Christmas.

And as previously reported here, we also saw new albums last year from Nicole Atkins (Italian Ice), Adrian Daniel (Night Wolf), José James (No Beginning No End 2), Norah Jones (Pick Me Up Off the Floor) and Joan Osborne (Trouble and Strife).

Jon B: Are You Still Down? Book Cover Art

Reading Matter

Dominique M. Carson, who has written stories for Brooklyn Roads about Norah Jones, Patti LaBelle, Ja Rule, Ashanti, the Isely Brothers and Tony Danza, among others, has a new book out. Titled Jon B: Are You Still Down? it chronicles the successes and struggles of groundbreaking ’90s blue-eyed soul icon Jon B, who has worked with Baby Face and Tupac Shakur and earned a Grammy nomination in 1995.

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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