BROOKLYN VOICES — JUNE 2016

May 26, 2016 by David K. Moseder

Flatbush Zombies /photo by Tiffany Komon for The Come Up Show /courtesy of Wikipedia

Kudos to the Flatbush Zombies, whose first full-length studio album, 3001: A Laced Odyssey, topped Billboard’s Independent Albums chart and debuted at number 10 in the Billboard 200…The reunion tour of Fort Greene jazz-rappers The Digable Planets will include a performance at Celebrate Brooklyn! on July 30. No word yet as to whether they may be getting back in the studio anytime soon…

Parquet_Courts_2016_photo by ZurichlsStained_courtesy of Wikipedia

Parquet Courts /photo by ZurichlsStained /courtesy of Wikipedia

Within weeks of the April 8 release party for Parquet Courts’Human Performance at The Bell House, the album cracked the top 20 on Billboard’s Rock, Alternative, Independent and Tastemaker charts…

Bay Ridge punk rockers The So So Glos have released their third full-length album, Kamikaze, on East Williamsburg-based Shea Stadium Records. You can catch them June 25 at Market Hotel in Bed-Stuy with another local punk act, Big Ups…

So So Glos /photo by 40boro /courtesy of Wikipedia

Our borough is well represented on Day of the Dead, the brand new, 59-track Grateful Dead tribute box set curated by Ditmas Park rockers The National. The other Brooklyn-based artists contributing to the project include Lucius, Charles Bradley, The Lone Bellow, The Walkmen, Real Estate, Sharon Van Etten, Ed Droste and Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear, TV on the Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe, and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus…

Dan Zanes / photo by Howard B. Leibowitz/ courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

Dan Zanes hints on his website that he’s working on a new CD featuring covers of folk-blues legend Lead Belly’s children’s songs…Congrats to Broadway’s Beautiful: The Carole King Musical; June 5 marks the show’s 1,000 performance…Among those contributing original songs to Nickelodeon’s Broadway-bound The Spongebob Musical are a trio Brooklyn acts: Jonathan Coulton, Dirty Projectors and They Might Be Giants.

NOTABLE QUOTE: “[Brooklyn] is not an easy place to survive in…which makes it easy to write a sad song…it’s been a great muse” –Yarn’s Blake Christiana, who, after 10 years in his adoptive home town, has relocated to North Carolina.

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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