Jazz Enthusiast Jesse Fischer: Deeper Than What’s on the Surface

February 16, 2021 by Rachel Armstrong

Jesse Fischer / photo by Lauren Desberg / courtesy of Lydia Liebman Promotions

Brooklyn Roads is happy to introduce Brooklyn-based composer, producer, and pianist Jesse Fischer. Making music with a strong jazz presence, this musical artist gets inspiration from classical, West African music, African American beats, and his own heritage of Jewish sound. Fischer explains that he likes to incorporate the essence of catchy rhythms and melodic sounds to create an emotional impact in his music. His most recent album, entitled Resilience, released in August 2020, embodies these traits. Fischer created this album in response to the difficult state of the world while trying to maintain a sense of optimism in the music.

Jesse Fischer- In Performance/ photo by Dennis Manuel

Resilience is a recent representation of Fischer’s own sound and music composition, but the musician has come a long way since the beginning of his musical journey. Fischer began recording and writing his own music back in middle school. He tells us that finding the original musical samples from African American hip hop music back in the day is what drew him to jazz.

“From a very early age, I saw the recording studio as its own unique instrument with its own possibilities and universe to explore, just as much as I did the piano.”

Fischer’s goals when moving to Brooklyn in 2005 was to become a jazz pianist, but a lot more has been exposed to him being part of the Brooklyn community, as the borough is such a diverse place with so many different people. He calls it a “melting pot.” Music wise, there is a lot of diversity as well. This musical multiformity has created a lot of inspiration in artists like Jesse Fischer. He mentions how he has not only experienced a strong jazz scene here, but also has encountered indie rock, electronic music, and merengue as well.

Jesse Fischer with Synth / photo by Lauren Desberg / courtesy of Lydia Liebman Promotions

“Brooklyn is like a microcosm of the whole planet. We have so many different people from so many different walks of life here, and the creative energy is just amazing,” he says.

Considering pre-pandemic days, we ask Fischer about his favorite Brooklyn music venue to perform music in and learn that this musician really appreciates making improvised music with others. His experiences performing at C’mon Everybody in Bed-Stuy involved this unplanned musical style. Additionally, he expresses that he would love to one day work with musician Derrick Hodge, whom also has an interesting approach to making improvised music.

Jesse Fischer graciously includes experience and emotion into his music. He conveys open mindedness and creative expression which he weaves into his musical style. Brooklyn Roads is excited to see what else this composer has in store next.

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!

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