Brooklyn Voices – June 2011

June 6, 2011 by David K. Moseder

voices jeffreys On his forthcoming release, The King of In Between, Sheepshead Bay’s Garland Jeffreys proudly flies the Brooklyn flag with tracks such as Coney Island Winterand Roller Coaster Town. Lou Reed guests on the album…Lest anyone doubt where she’s coming from, Natalia Zukerman leads off her latest CD, Gas Station Roses, with a song set in and titled Brooklyn. The album, partly recorded at Butler Plaza in Prospect Heights, deftly blends musical genres, anchored by Zukerman’s unique slide guitar playing and seductive vocals…Bed Stuy-born Charles Bradley has paid his dues, now he gets to sing the blues. The 62-year-old’s raw and poignant debut album, No Time for Dreaming, produced by Dap-King
s guitarist Thomas Brenneckand recorded at Dunham Studios in Bushwick, is another smash from the Daptone juggernaut…Flatbush voices maya native Maya Azucena, one of Elmore Magazine’s “11 Artists to Watch in ‘11”, is planning a late-June release for her newest CD, Cry Love. Azucena, who has been compared to Roberta Flack and Chaka Khan, has earned numerous accolades for her support of humanitarian causes…Other recent releases worth noting include Nicole Atkins’ Mondo Amore, featuring the hit single Cry, Cry, Cry;The Pains of Being Pure of Heart’s Belong, the follow-up to their eponymous debut album; The S.O.U.L. Tape from Fabolous; Neil Diamond’sThe Bang Years: 1966-1968; and Sweet Soubrette’s sophomore offering, Days and Nights, with Ellia Bisker now fronting a full band. Notable Quote:“Sometimes I feel like my only friend is the city I live in, is beautiful Brooklyn.” – from Brooklyn by Mos Def.

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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