BROOKLYN VOICES – APRIL 2016

March 28, 2016 by David K. Moseder

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings /photo by Howard B. Leibowitz / B.L. Howard Productions

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings will open the 2016 Celebrate Brooklyn! Performing Arts Festival at the Prospect Park bandshell on June 8. Though it’s part of the by-ticket-only Opening Night Gala, the concert itself if free…Local Americana/alt-country band Yarn, whose new as-yet-untitled album is slated to drop on May 27, will play Brooklyn Bowl on April 27…Talib Kweli will be doing a DJ Set at the Bowl on April 21. In May, the Park Slope native will fly to Australia for a series of gigs with Common…Maya Azucena has released the catchy, soulful, danceable “Favorite Song” as the first single from her forthcoming album, Unleash Me…Roosevelt Dime’s newest single is an R&B-infused, banjo-driven take on Tom Petty’s “American Girl”…Carole King: Natural Woman, which aired on a February edition of PBS’ American Masters series, is now available on DVD and Blu-ray…Scotland’s Frightened Rabbit flew all the way from Glasgow to Brooklyn to record their latest effort, Painting of a Panic Attack, at the Ditmas Park studio of The National’s Aaron Dessner, who also produced the album…Kudos to TV’s Mythbusters for using Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day” as the perfect soundtrack for the closing montage of their series finale.

Frightened Rabbit/ photo by Jester Jay Goldman / courtesy of Wikipedia

Notable Quote: “Phife Dawg was authenticity in the flesh. Loyal to a fault and fiercely protective of this culture we call hip-hop, Phife embodied the very best of us.” – Talib Kweli

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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