Back in the Day : Brooklyn Music Milestones-December, 2015

December 3, 2015 by David K. Moseder

Dec. 8, 1999: Jay Z is named Top Rap Artist at the 10th annual Billboard Music Awards Two years later Fiesta, his collaboration with R Kelly, winds the award for Top R&B Song

Dec. 10-11, 1982: Although his most recent album, 1981’s Power of Love, failed to click commercially, Arlo Guthrie remains a popular draw, playing a two-night stand at The Bottom Line.

Dec. 14, 1970: Multi-genre world music pioneers Mandrill are at Electric Ladyland studios recording the first tracks of their self-titled debut album. Long a favorite among musical connoisseurs over their four-decade career, the Grammy Award-winning Bedford-Stuyvesant-originating septet is also one of the most sampled groups among hip-hop’s elite artists.

Irving Berlin / photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Dec. 25, 1941: On his NBC radio show, Bing Crosby introduces the world to Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. While working in sunny California, Berlin, who was Jewish, nostalgically recalled his experiences at friends’ and neighbors’ houses in Brooklyn during the holiday season. White Christmas has become the most-recorded Christmas song of all time and Crosby’s version remains the biggest-selling single ever.

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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