Johnny by John Roseboro
At the end of 2021, John Roseboro had no home, no car, no family, and zero dollars zero cents in the bank. After a bad relationship and an even worse break up, he moved to New York City because “here you only need chutzpah.”
At the same time, John would release a successful debut, drawing attention from fellow artists, labels, and the internet, allowing him to tour across the US and Europe. Still, seeking stability, Roseboro averaged a song a month, a sonic diary exploring his relationships with God and women.
“Johnny” is that diary. The lush post-bossa instrumentation and effortless poetry cover universal themes showing a range of expertise and execution. Dancing and crying at the same time; hurting and healing at the same time.
The Haitian-American, Brooklyn based, singer-songwriter and visual artist has been making a name for himself in the indie scene, redefining and innovating the genre up and down the coasts. Building off of the likes of Gilberto and Jobim, Roseboro’s post-bossa style carries other similarities to the greats in that his music focuses on personal and social justice, undertaking major concepts 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 his living with the Amish and years as a mortician, as informing his playing and perspective. The new artist has received praise from indie giants Field Medic, Thee Sacred Souls, Men I Trust, and Barrie drawing comparisons to King Krule, Steve Lacy, Elliot Smith, and Seu Jorge.
"Johnny" shows an artist determined to move culture forward with no end in sight.
Tracklist
| 1. | Fetal Position | 3:58 |
| 2. | How To Pray | 2:57 |
| 3. | The Empress | 1:58 |
| 4. | Chicken | 2:22 |
| 5. | The Banquet | 2:26 |
| 6. | I Took The L | 2:55 |
| 7. | Topo Chico | 2:16 |
| 8. | Freak | 2:44 |
| 9. | Coke | 1:31 |
| 10. | Gethsemane | 2:53 |
| 11. | Hahaha | 3:53 |
| 12. | Violent Crimes | 3:06 |
Credits
Johnny (2023)
All songs written, produced, performed by John Roseboro
Drums/Percussion by Hunter Lewis (1,2,3,4,6,10)
Fretless Bass by Michael Barnes (2,3,4,6,7,10)
Vocals by Lizzy and the Palm (1,5,12)
Bass by Lizzy and the Palm (2)
Saxophone by Daniel Robinson (1,7,11)
Flugelhorn by IZ Burns (3)
Drums by Isac Jamba (7)
Bass by Bradford by Krieger (8)
Rhodes by Bill Waters (8)
Drums by Ian Dwy (8)
Trumpet by Madeline Ertel (5)
Saxophone by Chris Panameno (5)
Choir: Lizzy and the Palm, Daniel Robinson, Dan and Pez, Naomi and her friends, Melissa, Cash O'Brien, Jianna Herald, Dor, Pnina, Tom, Henry Hughes, Willy Menji, Laura, Isaiah, Barry, Josie Klein, Samad, Bekah Khifer, Betsaida, Juel, Elijah Kanpp, Mad, Ian Dwy, Charity Joy Brown, Ashleah, Brennen Abbey, Paul Mangan, my grandmother...
Production, engineering, and mixing by Luke Jr (1,2,3,4,6,7,10,11)
"Violent Crimes" co-produced by Will and Jake of Bird Language
"Freak" engineered and mixed by Bradford Krieger at BIG NCE
"Coke" mixed by Bill Waters
"The Banquet" mixed by Grant Claytor
Mastered by Luke Jr at home in Brooklyn, NY
Dedicated to Johanna
