Eli Paperboy Reed Meets the High & Mighty Brass Band in Brooklyn

May 7, 2018 by B.L. Howard

The energy level began to rise at Brooklyn Bazaar as the crowd converged toward the front of the stage, eager for a night of Brooklyn-style soul music from Eli Paperboy Reed, the High and Mighty Brass Band and openers Benjamin Pirani & The Means of Production, on Thursday, April 26, 2018.

Eli Paperboy Reed at Brooklyn Bazaar- photo by HBL

Eli Paperboy Reed Meets the High & Mighty Brass Band at Brooklyn Bazaar– photo by Howard B. Leibowitz / courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

This event was the official album release party for a long-planned musical collaboration between Reed and fellow Brooklynites, the High and Mighty Brass Band, who released a vinyl version of the album on Record Store Day 2018. The 13-song, high energy, non-stop set featured all 11 tracks from the album, including “WooHoo,” with a lilting percussion and brass intro; “The Satisfier,” a foot-stomping danceable mover, with Reed’s searing vocals; and “Explosion” in the two-song encore that brought shouts for more from the crowd.

Brooklyn Roads had a conversation with Eli Paperboy Reed just before showtime and wanted to know how the project came about. Reed explained that, “We’ve done some shows together over the years and the guys from High & Mighty are old friends of mine. We’d been meaning to do a project together and the opportunity came along, and we made this record together last summer.” Reed also told Brooklyn Roads that the Eli Paperboy Reed Meets High & Mighty Brass Band album was recorded in Bushwick. “We did it all live to tape in three days. The whole idea in 2018 is that it’s the 10th anniversary of Roll With You, which is my first album, so we’re doing three releases to kind of round out the 10 years of Eli Paperboy Reed, and this is the first one. In November, we’re goin

Eli Paperboy Reed 042618-Al Pereira (101)

Eli Paperboy Reed with the High & Mighty Brass Band / photo by Al Pererra

g to reissue that album, with a bonus disc of early material, demos and stuff like that – a double LP. Then, at the end of the year, my new album, that I just finished recording, is gonna come out.” Reed wrote all the songs on the upcoming new album, which was produced by Matt Ross-Spang (Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Chris Isaak). These new and reissued albums are being released on Yep Roc Records, which has a sweet spot for vinyl as well as for Eli Paperboy Reed.

The High & Mighty Brass Band With Eli Paperboy Reed – photo by Howard B. Leibowitz/ courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

If you haven’t met Eli Paperboy Reed and The High & Mighty Brass Band yet, you’ll be well served to grab a copy of their album. Then when they return from their European tour, try to catch them live.

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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