Hello my lovelies and welcome to February’s “Tits Up Brooklyn”. February brings us valentines, candy, flowers, lovers and oh, so much more. Do you know what this muse-y gal craves to satisfy her needs? My goal for February is to pursue a celebration of “New love for new music!” For me that’s the best way to celebrate the month of love. Brooklyn, like much of New York City, is a haven for new and creative music from a variety of genres. So, let’s start off 2025 the right way – with new music to love.
January rolled in like a wild and wonderful storm on a chill Sunday afternoon at Young Ethel’s with three great bands, in order of appearance: St. Divine (quintet), The James Rocket (a quartet) and Curtis Suburban (trio). I was blown away by the fact that these amazing bands were playing on a Sunday afternoon in da’ Slope. This was St. Divine’s first time being at Young Ethel’s, but considering they’ve only been playing together for less than a year, I’m sure it won’t be the last. They played straight up rock for an appreciative crowd, but they have a very eclectic sound whose recordings include cellos and pedal steel. My pick of their set had to be “DIY (Frankenstein)”. Just so much fun in one song.
You can find their singles “Four Walls”, “Throwing Cards” and “Swallow” on Spotify. St. Divine was also at a brand spankin’ new showcase called “Serve The Song, a songwriter’s swap” hosted by Stephanie Hall at Sid Gold’s Request Room on January 22nd in lovely Manhattan . Keep an eye and an ear out for those shows by Stephanie because she always brings the best of the best, the crème de la crème for your listening pleasure.
The James Rocket (for your sins) started playing and the floor filled up with some mild Sunday afternoon moshing. Now these guys have been playing together for a while and the band is super tight. They refer to themselves as Agit-pop and smartass punk. The band played for almost a full hour and tunes went from in your face to almost ethereal and connected with everyone there. They closed with “Who Asked You?”, a song off their new record Burnout (YES, real vinyl!!) . At the show in January, they also had 45s to share with a Devo-esque looking cover art and two tasty tunes: We are Here For You/Derby Girl (2016). Look for The James Rocket on Bandcamp and around town. They do not disappoint.
Now let’s take a dive into Curtis Suburban. Give up some love for this power trio, who epitomize 3 chords and an attitude. Simple straight rock n’ roll with great lyrics. Vocals were swapped back & forth by drummer & lead guitarist, while the super smooth bass player held down the low notes.
These guys brought their A game as A-wesome! First song outta the gate was “If it Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix it”, and how wonderful to have your rock and roll delivered piping hot at 5 pm on a Sunday. Besides the sweet, sweet sounds, they handed out candy and nuts in retro candy cigarette boxes. Snacks! They even had a disclaimer on the box, a Curtis Suburban Warning that their music may cause euphoria, nostalgia and the urge to dance (I’m paraphrasing, but ya’all catch what I’m throwing down.) Yummy, tasty, and satisfying. (and I’m not just talking about the nutz)!
As much as I like new music, a new band in a new venue to yours truly is a doublemint, double the pleasure experience. So, on a snowy January Sunday I trekked to DUMBO for an afternoon of traditional jazz and omelets at Superfine with the Jen Chapes Band. Jen Chapes is the vocalist in this ensemble, supported eloquently by a horn player, guitarist, and drummer on cocktail kit on a stage that could be described as “cozy, but elevated”. Apropos for that afternoon, the band entertained the patrons with traditional jazz like “Stormy Weather” and “Beginning to see the Light” in the style of Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald.
Sidenote about the venue, Superfine. They just celebrated their 25th anniversary! Congratulations! The owner came around with the tip bucket herself and informed us that the venue always matches the amount in the tip bucket at the end of the show. Their Sunday brunch shows are generally bluegrass, but they decided to try something new too. So glad to have been afforded the opportunity to support the music and the venue. Here’s to 25 more years of Superfine Sunday brunches with music and omelets.
With that I leave you my muse-ical friends, until we meet again on the streets of Brooklyn, between the pages of news or maybe even between the sheets, be well and be loved… It is February after all, the month to celebrate luv in all its forms. Sending you love, sweet candy kisses and may you get all you desire and more. I remain as always, your musical muse, Medea Hoar.
#bkmusses
Young Ethels, 506 5th Ave., Brooklyn (Da’ Slope)
Superfine, 126 Front Street, Brooklyn ( DUMBO)
Sid Gold’s Request Room, 165 W. 26th Street, NYC (Chelsea)
