Brooklyn’s Best: The Year So Far

August 26, 2019 by David K. Moseder

Cher at Barclays Center / photo © by Debra L. Rothenberg

The first eight months of 2019 have proven to be a microcosm of the music renaissance that has swept Brooklyn over the last two decades. Today more than ever our borough is recognized as a premier producer and generator of great new talent of diverse genres as well as a must-play destination for top established artists.

Patti LaBelle Wows Brooklyn ! / photo by David Andrakos

Among the bona fide music legends whose shows we saw in 2019 was Cher, who, at age 73, proved that she still has the power to turn back time as she wowed an overflow crowd at Barclays Center on May 2. Not to be outdone, Patti LaBelle – the Godmother of Soul – launched the 41st season of Celebrate Brooklyn! in Prospect Park by headlining the opening night concert, June 4.

The National at CB! / photo by Kyra Kverno

The following week, Brooklyn Roads saw two powerhouse acts on that same stage – long-time Brooklyn residents The National and Australia’s Courtney Barnett.In July a group with Brooklyn roots, the Americana trio, I’m With Her, dazzled us at CB! with their impeccable musicianship, gorgeous vocals and superb songwriting.

Courtney Barnett at CB! / photo by Kyra Kverno

We got down with an evening of home-grown funk with The Budos Band, Menahan Street Band and Holy Hive at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in April and again with the dance-friendly grooves of local boogie sensations Escort at Elsewhere in May.

Brooklyn Roads was also on hand for the debut of a new monthly acoustic music series, Live From The Vault at Putnam’s Pub & Cooker in Fort Greene’s in April, as well as the February album launch show for Jan Bell & The Maybelles’ Goodbye to the River. (Bell is the founder and curator of the upcoming Brooklyn Americana Music Festival, September 19-22.)

Local emerging “Artists On Our Radar” we got to know over these past several months include the post-punk band Bodega; spacey indie rockers AMFM; Quarter Water, a hip-hop neo soul quintet; M. West with his “accessible yet edgy” punk-pop-rock; Dan Rauchwerk, half of the quirky folk duo Lords of Liechtenstein; and Sarah Cobb, aka electro-pop sensation ESS SEE. These artists, who represent Brooklyn’s musical diversity, all praised the borough and its influence on their development and creativity.

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!

... read article