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

Janet LaBelle Takes the Spotlight: Blending Vintage Vibes with Modern Magic

Janet Labelle With Guitar In Hand / photo by John Nyboer

Dynamic Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Janet LaBelle continues to push her creative boundaries. Known for her unique ability to fuse analog warmth with modern production, LaBelle has been praised by Jersey Beat for her “sweet voice and sharp, thoughtful songwriting,” and her newest projects are no exception. Her music defies easy categorization, effortlessly blending elements of folk, classic rock, and pop into a sound that feels both fresh and timeless. LaBelle recently released her single “Day in the Sun” on September 13 via her own Wild Violet Records, and it has already been captivating audiences with its sunny melodies and deeply personal narrative. The song, inspired by a meaningful hike with a friend in 2023, showcases her talent for finding beauty in simplicity, a theme that resonates through much of her work. The inclusion of horns marks an exciting creative evolution, adding a new layer of depth to her already richly textured sound. Throughout her career, LaBelle has explored a wide range of musical styles. She first made waves as a teenager in the punk-pop band Avery, and since then, her solo work has spanned genres like classic rock, folk, pop, and even French chanson. Her previous EPs, including Moon Songs (2010) and Blossom & Blue (2011), demonstrate her eclectic tastes, with influences ranging from surf rock to vintage country. Working with respected producers such as Evan Taylor (Bernie Worrell) and Tony Maimone (Pere Ubu, They Might Be Giants), LaBelle continues to expand her sound, evolving with each new release. Fans can catch her live at upcoming performances, including a show at Our Wicked Lady on September 24th and at Sleepwalk on December 3rd. These live shows will give listeners a chance to hear both her new and classic material in an up-close setting. Her combination of memorable songs, captivating performances and a unique voice sets her apart as an artist who continues to rise, drawing listeners in with every new creation.

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