Fools [LP]

John Roseboro - Fools [LP]

Known for his buttery voice and distinct strumming guitarist singer-songwriter and bandleader John Roseboro has been making a name for himself in the Brooklyn indie scene redefining and innovating the genre with Brazilian jazz and mysticism. Building off of the likes of João Gilberto and Antônio Carlos Jobim Roseboro’s post-bossa style carries other similarities to the greats in that his music focuses on personal and social justice undertaking major themes such as human rights love and religion being described as "probably the music that will heal the world... impossible to be indifferent in voice and soul.” John cites his upbringing particularly living with the Amish and years as a mortician as informing his playing and perspective. The new artist has received praise from indie giants Men I Trust Frankie Cosmos Field Medic Thee Sacred Souls drawing comparisons to King Krule Steve Lacy Burt Bacharach and Elliott Smith. Fools is a watershed event in the genesis of post-bossa. The record subverts traditional concepts of what “alternative” music is disposing of tired chord progressions kitschy themes and larping emo aesthetics. The compositions here show what music can be and do when it does not pander to an audience allowing Roseboro unprecedented freedom to weave poems of grief girls and God over melodies indifferent to what the genre might seem to be. The result is visceral vulnerable and most of all true. Roseboro’s most collaborative work to date Fools hosts personnel from Brooklyn’s most talented friend group: most consistently neighbors Luke Jr and Yamp performing on and co-producing nearly every track with Reid Devereaux contributing horns bass and slide guitar. The four musicians had already headlined tours together the previous year performing at SXSW Montreal Jazz Festival and supporting dear Ron Gallo who has been championing John for over two years often to deaf ears... John would go on to arrange and perform Ron’s “Psycho Moment” for the album. Other featured artists include fan favorites and familiar faces: Liam McMcay (sign crushes motorist) Mei Semones John Lisi (Twin Brother) Juliana Chahayed and Liana Flores. Just a few years ago there was no John Roseboro. After a bad relationship and a worse break up John was virtually homeless penniless and anonymous. Maintaining faith has brought him everything and this is echoed in interviews and throughout his discography. Independently managing funding and distributing his work John has to say “I am gambling on the integrity of my relationships and the impact of these songs… thank you for holding my hand.”