"Robertson expertly mixes an alt-country vocal style with electronic drumbeats, possessing a voice that commands attention from the first note. Her tone is captivating whether floating in a whispered reverie or letting loose over unconventional lyrics and acrobatic melodies."
Beth Walker, Performing Songwriter Magazine (December, 2008)
"Imagine a withering roar that's all at once strong, vulnerable, and beautiful. Jessi is a unique power-pop artist that delivers poetic insightful lyrics in catchy songs full of drama and life."
- Artist Loft Series, Tainted Blue Studios (September, 2008)
"This New York singer-songwriter draws comparisons to equally spirited alt-folk muses Tori Amos and PJ Harvey. But with her quavering, spiritual verses, the analogy she deserves is with Jeff Buckley, gender difference or no."
- Editor's Review, Download.com
"Jessi Robertson demonstrates the qualities in a singer that prove themselves time and time again. The qualities are of a soothing, soulful, graceful, honest, and emotive style. You will never want to stop listening to Jessi Robertson's story."
- Paul Richmond, Zest Radio Show (Oct 05, 2008)
Since moving to Brooklyn in 2003, Jessi has played all over the city at venues including The Bitter End, CBGB’s 313 Gallery and Lounge, Pianos, Rockwood Music Hall, The American Folk Art Museum , and Public Assembly. Whether with a band or solo, Jessi captivates her audience with the raw honesty of her voice, and her passion to communicate.
Jessi has also been deeply involved in the local music scene as a co-founder of Local Correspondents (www.localcorrespondents.com), curator for September Concert (http://septemberconcert.org), and founder of “NY Sirens” (http://www.myspace.com/nysirens).
Instrumentation
Solo: Jessi Robertson on Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, with the occasional laptop or iPod thrown in.
Full Band:
Jessi Robertson - vocals, acoustic guitar
Rob Shapiro - keys, piano
Andy Mac - Drums
Jim McNamara - Upright or electric bass
Discography
ALBUM: Who We Are, What We Have Done released July 20, 2008
Album News
- The album was reviewed by Performing Songwriter magazine in December as part of the Top 12 DIY albums section
- Receiving airplay on college radio, KAOS 89.3FM
- "Geometry of a Heavy Heart" was selected as Pop Track of the Day on Garageband.com
- "Broken Thing" is receiving airplay on Radio NY
- “Lighthouse Keeper” is featured on mvyradio.com’s Local Music Café.
Other Features / Awards
- Runner-up in the 2007 Singer/Songwriter Awards
- Garageband Awards:
> Pop/Rock Track of the Day on July 9, 2008
> Best Female Vocals in Pop, week of Nov 5, 2007
> Indie Rock Track of the Day on Jun 4, 2006
> Best Female Vocals in Indie Rock, week of May 29, 2006
> Best Female Vocals overall, week of May 22, 2006
> Best Female Vocals in Indie Rock, week of May 22, 2006
> Best Female Vocals in Indie Rock, week of May 29, 2006
- Humblevoice Features
> Featured Music on 6/27/07 http://www.humblevoice.com/features/music/062707
> Featured Video on 7/5/07 http://www.humblevoice.com/features/video/070507
- Live performance of “New York, New York” featured in a documentary about the Tompkins Square Poetry Festival by Sm*shface Productions
- “New York, New York” used in a music video, featuring artist Paul du Toit and photographer Josie Borain... http://www.artfilms.co.za/films/newyorkflash3.html
This is a companion piece to the J Productions Video described “Paul du Toit captured on film by Josie Borain. Paul is completing some works done at the Dieu Donné Papermill in New York City. The song 'New York, New York' is generously donated by New York singer-songwriter Jessi Robertson.” This video can be downloaded free on iTunes. http://video.aol.com/video-detail/new-york/3625792538625792538
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