We Give Thanks for Brooklyn’s Bountiful Music Scene

November 1, 2016 by David K. Moseder

Before you carve into that Thanksgiving turkey, take a little time this month to enjoy some piping hot pop tunes, a heaping helping of rock, a few forkfuls of folk or a slice or two of world music and, for dessert, a taste of classic hip-hop. It’s all being served up right here in our fair borough.

Tony Danza /photo courtesy of the artist

Native son Tony Danza has cooked up a cabaret show called “Standards & Stories,” which is on the November music menu at Brooklyn College’s Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts. Along with showcasing his singing chops, the popular sitcom star is expected to show off his “boss” ukulele skills and break out into a tap dance or two. No word as to whether he will arrive at the venue via limo or take a … taxi.

There’s a cornucopia of musical performances by other local or Brooklyn-connected acts playing in our borough this month as well. Among these are Rare Futures, who will introduce their new album, This Is Your Brain On Love, at Sunnyvale; rock-and-boogie power trio Bucky Hayes and the Commonwealth at Bar Chord; Wire Troop – led by Jay Sherman-Godfrey, who has played guitar with They Might Be Giants and runs Greenpoint-based Able Mobile Recording Lab – at Hank’s Saloon. Union Hall presents Wooing, led by former Supercute! lead singer Rachel Trachtenburg. Meanwhile, her ex-bandmate Julia Cumming’s current group, Sunflower Bean, who rocked the Williamsburg Music Hall last month, will play a November gig at Manhattan’s Webster Hall.

Wyclef Jean / photo by Seher Sikandar for Rehes Creative/ courtesy of Wikipedia

Fans of world music can catch the traditional Moroccan sounds of Brooklyn’s own Innov Gnawa at Barbés, while avante-garde New York vocalist-composer Meredith Monk teams with Ani Choying Drolma (“Nepal’s singing nun”) at National Sawdust.

For that serving of hip hop to complete your musical feast, Talib Kweli and his full band will be at Brooklyn Bowl on November 9th and 10th for two shows , and Wyclef Jean stops by on November 17th.

Ani DiFranco / photo by Shervin Lainez /courtesy of Autonomic Media

Top outside talent gracing Brooklyn’s music stages this month includes folk icon Ani DiFranco at Music Hall of Williamsburg and the Indigo Girl’s Amy Ray performing with Academy of Country Music Award-winner Chely Wright at The Bell House. Want more country? Check out Keith Urban at the Barclays Center and Jaime Wyatt at Hill Country.

Brooklyn Roads hopes we’ve whetted your appetite and that you’re ready to dig into these or some of the other music dishes at our borough’s many fine clubs, halls and stages this month. Enjoy!

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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