Brooklyn Voices – January 2016

January 20, 2016 by David K. Moseder

Nicole Atkins tells Brooklyn Roads that, “I’m currently writing record number four,” the follow-up to her well-charted an critically acclaimed Slow Phaser…Norah Jones is also hard at work on a new solo album, her sixth, the first since since 2012’s Little Broken Hearts…Likewise, Amber Rubarth states on her website that her new album, The Maiden and the Ram, “is in the works and coming very soon.” Besides having lived and recorded in Brooklyn for several years, Rubarth once toured with Richie Havens and can be heard on the soundtrack of Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work…Congratulations to Brooklyn’s 2016 Grammy nominees, including Elle King (Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song, “Ex’s & Oh’s”), Barry Manilow (Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, My Dream Duets) and Punch Brothers (Best American Roots Performance and Song, “Julep,” and Best Americana Album, The Phosphorescent Blues)…King’s signature opus was also among local artists’ efforts that made WFUV’s Listener Poll of Top 90 Songs of 2015, joining Lone Bellow’s “Then Came Morning,” EL VY’s “Return to the Moon,” Ratatat’s “Cream on Chrome” and Sufjan Stevens’ “Should Have Known Better”…Stevens’ album Carrie and Lowell finished a strong number six in The Village Voice’s 2015 Pazz + Jop Poll. In that same poll, Sprinter by Torres (aka Bushwick’s Mackenzie Scott), landed at 28 (seven places higher than Adele!) and Lana Del Rey’s Honeymoon came in at a respectable 61.

Notable Quote: “I think it’s important to let people take what they need from songs instead of explaining too much about what they mean for me personally.” — Twin Shadow, whose Eclipse was cited as one 2015’s Top 10 Albums by WFUV Music Director Russ Borris

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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