BROOKLYN VOICES — MARCH 2016

February 29, 2016 by David K. Moseder

George Gershwin-1937 / photo courtesy of Wikipedia

George and Ira Gershwin, who set the bar for Brooklyn composers and lyricists more than 90 years ago, continue to inspire contemporary artists. The latest tribute to these Brownsville legends, released on February 26, is Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin. In November, Nelson, who closed the 2015 season of Celebrate Brooklyn! with a rousing benefit concert, became the first country music artist to receive the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song…On her new album, The Magic Hour, Aoife O’Donovan gets an able assist from fellow Brooklyn transplants Chris Thile (Punch Brothers), Gabriel Kahane and Sarah Jarosz, as well as the string quartet Brooklyn Rider and Nickel Creek’s Sara Watkins…Veteran soul and R&B singer Charles Bradley’s new album, Changes, is due out April 1…Singer-songwriter Rebecca Pronsky, the Saint Ann’s School alumnus who the Montreal Gazette dubbed the “new Joni Mitchell,” is putting the finishing touches on her new album, Known Objects. It’s slated for a May 3 release, but you can buy a copy at her Jalopy show on April 15… Elizabeth Ziman (Elizabeth and the Catapult), whose song “Someday Soon” won the 2015 Independent Music Award in the Folk/Singer-Songwriter category, is working on her crowd-sourced, as-yet-untitled fourth album in Williamsburg’s Studio G…. a lyric video of American Nomads‘ new single, “A Revelation’s Gonna Come,” has been released on YouTube in advance of their March 19 show at Rockwood Music Hall…Kudos to Lucius on selling out back-to-back shows at the Music Hall of Williamsburg (March 31) and Webster Hall (April 1)…A tip of the hat also to Sharon Van Etten, one of a handful of artists chosen the play at the “Sweet 16” anniversary party for NPR’s All Songs Considered…

Angelique Kidjo/ photo by Howard B. Leibowitz B.L.Howard Productions

…..and finally, congratulations to Angelique Kidjo on earning her third Grammy Award (Best World Music Album) and New Utrecht High School graduate Anthony Ramos for his first, for his breakout role in the groundbreaking Broadway musical, Hamilton.

Notable Quote: “The musical blows the dust off your soul.” –Mel Brooks

Lucius / photo by Howard B. Leibowitz B.L.Howard Productions

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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