Victoria Reed’s ‘Chariot’ Ride at Rockwood Music Hall

March 7, 2016 by David K. Moseder

Victoria Reed / photo by Rebekah Campbell

Detroit native and Williamsburg resident Victoria Reed’s performance at Rockwood Music Hall’s Stage 3 on March 3rd was an impressive one. A de facto release party for her debut CD, Chariot, the show was also a solid final warm-up for her 14-city tour opening for fellow Brooklyn transplant Citizen Cope.

Victoria Reed / photo by Ester Segretto

Backed by a tight, four-piece band, Reed’s stage presence was engaging and her singing sweetly expressive, with a hint of Jenny Lewis here and maybe an echo of Alanis Morissette there, as well as an occasional twang that was more Music City than Motor City.

Eight of the nine songs Reed performed can be found on her just-released debut album, Chariot, including the title cut, which led off the evening as it does the CD, setting a positive tone for both with lyrics such as “Let go and let flow / I want to tell you that you’re not alone.”

Among the evening’s other numbers were “Make It Easy,” which she described to the audience as “a kind of letter from my future self, telling me to relax”; “All My Power,” a song “all about belonging to yourself,” which was powerfully rendered by Reed and the band, and “Love You,” an unabashed love song that just happens to mention Brooklyn in the lyrics.

Another highlight, “I Decide,” a high-energy number that Reed told the crowd was inspired by sessions with her therapist, was written after the Chariot album was completed. Judging from the enthusiastic response it generated from the crowd, it’s sure to find a place on her next recording.

Chariot -Album Art

All 10 songs on the Chariot album were written by Reed and recorded at Studio G in Greenpoint. The CD marks not only her debut, but also the launch of a new Brooklyn-based label, Botanica Records. Regarding the 26-year-old Reed’s musical DNA, she is the daughter of Alto Reed, long-time saxophone player in Bob Seger’s Silver Bullet Band.

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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