BRIC House Sessions: Becca Stevens -REGINA Album Release Party / Jess Best

April 5, 2017 by Ray Fontaine

BRIC House Lobby Stoop Space photo by Ray Fontaine

Becca Stevens‘ album release party at BRIC’s Media Center in downtown Brooklyn was not the only musical event at the March 30th BRIC House Sessions performance. A second concert hid tucked away in a glass room, and another gallery backstage displayed You Tube screenings, light shows and more.

Jess Best at BRIC House Sessions photo by Ray Fontaine

Jess Best opened the evening A capella , supported only by chilling harmonies from her three talented backup singers. Her gospel folk fusion sound set the tone for the night with a positive and uplifting mood . Each song in her set told a personal story. Jess concluded the set with bright and sunny tunes like “Soulflower” and “More” from her EP, Kid Again.

The audience then moved into the Ballroom to enjoy Becca Stevens’ debut performance of her album, REGINA. With a Brazilian Charango in hand, she explained that the album’s inspiration was from many of the great Queens of history, like Queen Elizabeth I of England.

Wearing a sculptural leather Koshiro Ebata dress, tailored for her in Japan, Becca said that the dress encapsulates REGINA, her alter ego and muse for the album. To her, the album release celebrated the birth of Regina, after a three year gestation inside the studio.

Becca Stevens performs REGINA photo by Ray Fontaine

Nathan Schram, who arranged the strings for the entire album, appeared on stage to perform “Both Still Here”, a song Becca Stevens wrote for him, while The Attacca Quartet filled the ballroom with Nathan’s multi-layered folky rhythms and harmonies.

A chilling rendition of “Well Loved” kept up the rhythmic, fast tempo of the evening, as Stevens played five different instruments, switching them between songs. Heavy songs like “Must Be Hard For You “ and “Queen Mab” vocally channeled an old –world, Celtic sound.

To close, Becca Stevens performed a live version of “Muse”. The song built slowly to a crescendo of drums and synthesizer before dropping back down to a mellow finish. Becca left the stage with her band on a quiet, reflective note. The audience leapt to their feet and gave her a standing ovation.

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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