Articles

Collage for Photo Pit featured image-10.08.21-revised

Collage of Aimee Mann, Latasha, Miguel and Lucite Tokki photos by Ray Fontaine

Exploring Brooklyn-From NOLA!

October 13, 2021 by Ray Fontaine

Editor’s Note- Even though contributor “Creator” Ray Fontaine relocated to New Orleans, she fondly recalls some of her Brooklyn music captures: From basement parties in... read article

Bobtown at the Dumbo Archway for the 2021 BKAMF photo by Enresto Gonzalez

Brooklyn Americana Fest Returns LIVE — and as Lively as Ever

September 26, 2021 by David K. Moseder

The annual Brooklyn Americana Music Festival (BKAMF) was back live again this year after having to go virtual in 2020. Six venues hosted more than... read article

The Crowd at Club Quarantine -Celebrate Brooklyn!

The Club Quarantine Crowd at Celebrate Brooklyn! photo by Al Pereira

Club Quarantine Goes Viral At Celebrate Brooklyn!

September 24, 2021 by Al Pereira

When the pandemic hit last year, D-Nice decided to hit back. The humble DJ, known to his mom as Derrick Jones, dragged his I-Tunes collection... read article

Eleanor Buckland photo by Laura Partain / courtesy of Sideways Media

You Don’t Have to Know Eleanor Buckland – but You Should

September 22, 2021 by David K. Moseder

Eleanor Buckland describes her music as falling “somewhere on a spectrum of indie rock, pop, and Americana.” But first and foremost, she tells Brooklyn Roads, “I... read article

It’s Me Or The Dog Or Was It “Cats”?

September 22, 2021 by Michela Arlia

Emily Frembgen is a singer-songwriter, hailing originally from Denver and Maryland, but is now based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Since first moving to the Big Apple... read article

Gary U.S. Bonds’ Brooklyn Experience

August 25, 2021 by B.L. Howard

Rock and roll legend Gary U.S. Bonds, who first made his mark with “New Orleans” and “Quarter to Three” back in 1960, has continued his... read article

While the Angels Sigh, Cindy Alexander Perseveres

August 25, 2021 by Michela Arlia

Cindy Alexander is a singer-songwriter in the indie music genre who currently resides in California. In April of this year, Alexander released her 10th studio... read article

Dyme-A-Duzin courtesy of the artist

Dyme-A-Duzin: True Hip Hop and Soul

August 12, 2021 by Rachel Armstrong

Donnovan Blocker, better known as Dyme-a-Duzin, is a Brooklyn-raised hip hop artist who strives to stay true to his Brooklyn roots in his music. This... read article

Bristol County Tides Album Cover

Annie Keating’s “Tides” Ebbs and Flows Through Trying Times

August 9, 2021 by David K. Moseder

The songs on Annie Keating‘s new album, Bristol County Tides, are about “finding human connection amidst times of isolation [and are] deeply personal to my... read article

Kate Taylor -Guitar In Hand photo by Heidi Wild/ courtesy of Compass Records

“Why Wait!” – The Sunny, Inspired Return of Kate Taylor

July 29, 2021 by Michela Arlia

Singer-songwriter Kate Taylor, younger sister to James Taylor, is returning to the music scene with her new album, Why Wait! The upcoming release on August... read article

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Artists on our Radar

Eric Stern: Brooklyn Born, Jazz Driven

Eric Stern/photo by Hoyeon Choi/ courtesy of the artist

Brooklyn has long been home to innovative artists, and pianist-composer Eric Stern is no exception. Born and raised in the borough, Stern’s sound is a fusion of jazz, Latin, and classical influences shaped by his upbringing and New York City’s diverse musical landscape. Stern’s love for music began at home, where classical compositions played daily on WQXR alongside Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. His exploration led him to jazz and salsa, drawn to artists like Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Miles Davis. His participation in Belongo’s Fat Cats program, a youth music initiative, deepened his passion for Afro-Latin music, exposing him to icons like Chico O’Farrill and Tito Puente. Though he played in school jazz bands and youth programs, it was at Fat Cats—rehearsing every Sunday at the former Fat Cat jazz club (now Cellar Dog)—that his passion crystallized. “It was sheer joy,” Stern recalls. The experience drove him to practice for hours daily, solidifying his decision to pursue music professionally. Stern studied at the University of Miami, where he formed a quartet with trumpet, piano, bass, and drums, performing across Miami until 2022. Adding saxophonist Dylan McHann that fall elevated the group into its current quintet form. Since returning to Brooklyn, the lineup has shifted, now featuring Chris Ferrari (tenor sax/flute), Joey Curreri (trumpet), Cookie Stephenson (bass), and Peru Eizagirre (drums), with Stern leading on piano and compositions. Brooklyn’s underground jazz scene remains central to Stern’s creative evolution. While Manhattan is home to institutions like the Village Vanguard and the Blue Note, he finds Brooklyn’s avant-garde spaces—Ornithology Jazz Club, Bar Bayeux, and ShapeShifter Lab more experimental and inspiring. At the heart of Stern’s music is a simple mission: joy. “That’s the only thing I really care about. If selling a million records and being super famous is able to do that, great. If not, I don’t really mind. I just want to give other people who listen and hear the music the same joy I have in playing and creating it.” Eric Stern is one to watch for those seeking a fresh, dynamic voice in Brooklyn’s jazz scene. “Why not perform in Brooklyn?” he says. “There are so many great spaces to play—why not make it happen?”

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