Brooklyn Voices – September 2010

September 6, 2010 by David K. Moseder

voices_01 There will be entertainment, prizes and more at Brooklyn Community Services’ FunWalk 2010, Sept. 26, 1 p.m., in Prospect Park. The event will raise money to support recreational programs for adults with disabilities…Grizzly Bear, called “incredible” and “inspiring” by Jay Z and “my favorite band” by Radiohead lead guitarist Jonny Greenwood, wowed the sellout crowd on Governors Island August 12. The band was also well received at Williamsburg Waterfront earlier this summer…Mona Lisa Cry, an album of great vocals, driving guitar licks and smart lyrics, is the debut CD from Williamsburg-based Dr. W. Recorded at Dante DeLemos’ Inferno Studios, it’s a collaboration between keyboardist/vocalist Walter Kenul and guitarist DeLemos, with acclaimed conceptual artist Richard Humann contributing lyrics…NickCasey, currently playing The Living Room every third Sunday night each month, is preparing to release their first full-length studio recording,Can’t Reason Through Love, with Grammy winning engineer and producer Chris Shaw (Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Wilco)…Frisbeees is the new single fromSkyzoo, who wowed audiences at this year’s Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. It’s the first taste of Live From The Tape Deck, the Crown Heights rapper’s joint album with producer !llmind…The lineup for the upcoming First Acoustics concert series at First Unitarian Church in Brooklyn Heights includes Brooklyn transplants The Mike Bjella Quartet and Red Molly…Notable Quotes: From The National’s concert at Celebrate Brooklyn!: “Brooklyn now is our home more than Ohio Is.” – lead singer Matt Berninger. “He’s going to get in trouble with mother about that.” – guitarist Aaron Dessner.

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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