Magic Hours and Hot August Nights

September 12, 2016 by David K. Moseder

Aoife O’Donovan at CB!/ photo by Howard B. Leibowitz / courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

To borrow a line from Aoife O’Donovan, Brooklyn Roads witnessed many a “magic hour, when the moonlight gleams,” at Prospect Park this summer, where O’Donovan was one of several locally based artists that peppered the talent-laden Celebrate Brooklyn! lineup, and also in Coney Island, where the Ford Amphitheater launched its star-studded inaugural season.

Andra Day at CB!/ photo by Howard B. Leibowitz / courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

The last week of Celebrate Brooklyn! wrapped up in high-powered style with certified musical genius Herbie Hancock, indie rockers Dr. Dog in collaboration with The Knights (whom The New Yorker called “one of Brooklyn’s sterling cultural products”), and the phenomenal, genre-bending Andra Day. And before those hot August nights had time to cool off, the multicultural Afropunk Festival brought the “Power to the Party” to Fort Greene’s Commodore Barry Park.

Nikki Giovanni at Afro Punk/ photo by Howard B. Leibowitz / courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

While exploring the scene at Afro Punk, Brooklyn Roads not only covered the music , but also the flavor of its unique cultural evolution. There was also a chance meeting with the legendary poet extraordinaire Nikki Goivanni , who was there as a segment of a forthcoming documentary about her was being filmed.

Beyond Brooklyn

We also had occasion to venture outside our fair borough in August to catch some local artists who crossed the East River to show Manhattan some Brooklyn love. Williamsburg’s American Nomads brought their lively brand of Americana to Rockwood Musical Hall, where they played a large chunk of their current self-titled album as well as “A Revelation’s Gonna Come,” the septet’s Billboard Adult Contemporary number six single, and a rousing new song, “Dogtooth Bend,” the performance of which can be seen on YouTube.

Singer-songwriter Citizen Cope, who has called Brooklyn home for the most of the last decade plus, played to a wildly enthusiastic audience at the Gramercy Theatre. He brought the crowd to its feet several times with such more-relevant-today-than-ever numbers as “Bullet and a Target,” “The Penitentiary Is on Fire” and “Salvation,” with its haunting closing refrain, “put the gun down, put the gun down…”).

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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