Fools by John Roseboro

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.”


Public Confession Art House (July, 2024)

*feeding the soul*

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