Boogie in Brooklyn: Escort Brings ‘City Life’ to Elsewhere

May 7, 2019 by Azriel Wallace

The Crowd at Elsewhere / photo courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

Music lovers: Looking for some dance-friendly grooves to add to your playlist? Check out the super-funky group that goes by the name of Escort. This trio recently kicked off their City Life tour and, of course, Brooklyn was one of the first stops on the party train! The crowd was jamming as their ears were blessed with ALL types of soulful flavors.

Escort has a sound reminiscent of disco with a taste of New York radio from the 1980s and ’90s. Add a subtle pinch of House and Latin and you’ll definitely have a repeat of their April show at Elsewhere (music venue). You could tell that fans of this Brooklyn-based group came prepared as they all boogied from start to finish. Escort danced along, as both lead (Nicki B) and background vocalists shook it all over the stage. Eugene Cho beautifully graced us on the keyboard while Jason “JKriv” Kriveloff held it down on the bass.

Escort On Stage / photo courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

The night started with a feel-good horn section that made sure to urgently grab the audience’s interest. Before you know it, Escort was paying homage to the freestyle classics including Crystal Water’s “Gypsy Woman.” This moment was a very authentic New York vibe as the spirit of vogue invaded the room. These party animals will be closing their tour at the Electric Forest Festival on June 28th in Rothbury, MI., so you just might be able to catch them. Just remember…if you attend an Escort show, these guys definitely know how to rock the house.

City Life Album Cover / courtesy of Girlie Action Media

The City Life

The group’s nine-track album consists of delightful goodies including their lead single, “City Life.” R&B sensation Fonda Rae also jumped in giving the tune a very classic vibe. Coming in at track number 5 is “One Draw,” a song aimed at reggae lovers. It is also dedicated to the all the herbalists who enjoy zoning out into another dimension. “Ride” is a smooth head-bopper that’ll make you sway from right to left as the flute takes you away. The album ends with a trance-like instrumental titled “Up For Dawn.” The tune is a cross between global and experimental. This outro truly takes the listener to a place of peaceful Zen. Overall, the album is ideal for anyone who enjoys a little of this and a bit of that.

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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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