Brooklyn Voices – January 2011

January 6, 2011 by David K. Moseder

voices rossabi Several Brooklyn artists released new albums in the closing months of 2010. Here’s a sampling of some of the best to get your New Year off to a tuneful start: Norah Jones’ Featuring is a decade’s worth of musical collaborations. Guests stars on the 18 tracks range from legends such as Ray Charles, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton to contemporary icons OutKast and Foo Fighters,as well as Brooklynites Sasha Dobson, Sean Bones and Talib Kweli…Sony may have stopped production on the Walk voices jones
man, butThe Walkmen are still producing great music, includingtheir latest album, Lisbon…Claire Burson’s Silver and Ash imagines her grandmother’s life in Germany, from her birth in 1919 to her escape in 1938…Meyer Rossabiserves up Just a Little Taste of the Blues,flavored with fiery guitar solos and soulful vocals…The joyous single Cameras is a highlight of Matt and Kim’s long-awaitedSidewalks…How about something for the kids? Neil Sedaka‘s first children’s book,Waking Up is Hard to Do, includes a three-song CD, written and recorded by Neil exclusively for this book …And even though their album came out in the summer, we couldn’t resist adding Treats by noise-pop duo Sleigh Bells to our winter wish list. Notable Quote: “Between thought and expression lies a lifetime.” – Lou Reed

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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