Articles

In Studio G /photo courtesy of the artist

Alice Lee Brings a World of Diverse Music to Brooklyn

December 7, 2022 by David K. Moseder

Eclectic singer/songwriter Alice Lee (not to be confused with the pop star/actress of the same name) was trained in classical piano, but one day, she... read article

Fantastic Negrito at Celebrate Brookyln!-June 18, 2022-Tiny Desk

Fantastic Negrito at Celebrate Brooklyn! photo by Kyra Kverno

The Photo Pit-A Musical View of 2022

December 2, 2022 by Kyra Kverno

Publisher’s Note: Contributing Photographer Kyra Kverno shares some of her imges and impressions of 2022’s Live Music Scene in Brookyln and beyond: What a long... read article

IVA -Guitar In Hand photo by Shervin Lainez

Brooklyn Inspires Operatic Singer IVA’s Pop Sensibilities

November 11, 2022 by David K. Moseder

IVA is an accomplished, operatic singer-songwriter who tells Brooklyn Roads that “many of my sensibilities come from early experience as a classical singer. I’ve been... read article

Lee Fields Backstage in 2013/ photo courtesy of the producers

Lee Fields at Bowery Ballroom Photo Courtesy of The Producers

Lee Fields : A Faithful Portrait of a Soul Music Icon

November 10, 2022 by Michela Arlia

Lee Fields is a soul, R&B, and funk legend with a voice of gold. From the beginning of his career in 1969, Fields has been... read article

Brooklyn Americana Fest: A Great Number Eight

October 7, 2022 by David K. Moseder

The Dumbo Archway under the Manhattan Bridge was once again a prime venue for the Brooklyn Americana Music Festival (year eight), with late afternoon and... read article

Sam Rappaport photo by Grace Rivera / courtesy of the artist

Sam Rappaport: Brooklyn Becomes Him

September 28, 2022 by Michela Arlia

Sam Rappaport, a Brooklyn based singer-songwriter is breaking through the music scene. With his latest single, “Better Days“ and upcoming debut EP “Get Me Away... read article

“Bands do BK” and Tell Us All About It

September 23, 2022 by David K. Moseder

Do you have a favorite local band with which you are on the same wavelength? Then you may wish to know where they go to... read article

Brooklyn’s Past Music Culture Helped Shape Its Present and Future

September 21, 2022 by B.L. Howard

As we look ahead to the closing days of 2022, Brooklyn Roads Magazine will continue to shine its’ spotlight on local music artists, venues and... read article

The Crowd In The Front photo by Kyra Kverno

Afropunk Brooklyn Returns!

September 16, 2022 by Kyra Kverno

Publisher’s Note: Contributing Photographer Kyra Kverno shares some of her imges and impressions of Afropunk Brooklyn 2022 : Afropunk Brooklyn returned on September 10 and... read article

Say She She / photo by Milton Arellano / courtesy of the artists

Say She She phpto by Milton Arellano

Say She She- “Discodelic” Soul !

August 26, 2022 by Michela Arlia

Nya Gazelle Brown, Piya Malik and Sabrina Mileo Cunningham are the driving forces behind “Say She She”, a Brooklyn based , all female seven piece... 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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