Canadian Singer, Trumpeter, Songwriter, Arranger and Bandleader
BRIA SKONBERG is described by The Wall Street Journal as one of
the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation.
Recognized as a Rising Star by Downbeat Magazine, and the
recipient of numerous honors and awards worldwide, Bria is indeed
a musical force. Wielding a unique blend of modern millennial
sensibilities and sizzling old-school musicianship, her American
debut, SO IS THE DAY, surrounds the neo-New Yorker with an
all-star cast.
Perennial award-winning trombonist Wycliffe Gordon and
saxophonist/clarinetist/flutist Victor Goines, both alums of
Wynton Marsalis bands, complete the horn section, while Random
Act Records artists Jeff Lashway (piano) and Randy Johnston
(guitar) round out the rhythm section. Star drummer Ulysses Owens
(Kurt Elling, Joey Alexander) keeps everything swinging and
percussionist Roland Guerrero (Wynton, Arturo OFarrill, Roy
Hargrove) adds Latin fire to the proceedings.
Bria offers several of her own beguiling songs, including: The
swampy title track, a clarinet feature; a swinging feminist
anthem (Keep Me In The Back Of Your Mind); the odd-metered, Jazz
Messengers-like instrumental Hip Check; the drop-dead gorgeous
bossa Have A Little Heart; a funkified Penny In Your Pocket,
allowing Lashway to stretch his chops on piano; the Dixieland
homage to her Canadian hometown, Chilliwack Cheer; and the
unforgettable closer, My Friend, featuring only Brias voice and
Lashways gospel-tinged piano accompaniment. The cover tunes are
just as inventive: Joni Mitchells hit Big Yellow Taxi is given a
Caribbean flavor, with a fine Flugelhorn solo; classical composer
Erik Saties instrumental piece Gymnopedie is an Afro/Cuban stomp,
with a superb trom solo by Michael Dease; and Irving Berlins
Let Yourself Go is transformed into a slinky/funky/swampy/sexy
slide. The incredible John Pizzarelli does a guest star turn on
Brias own I Wish I Hadnt Forgotten. Their voices are extremely
complimentary on the swinger, and John offers a great guitar
solo.
So Is The Day backs up the cls by ''The Wall Street
Journal'', where esteemed critic Will Friedwald also wrote that
Bria Skonberg looks, and sings, like a Scandinavian angel, but
plays like a red-hot devil!
Review
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It's a rare talent that can straddle - and dare request
membership in - the trumpet artist continuum emanating from Louis
Armstrong and progressing down through his ''Neo Orleans''
progeny: Byron Stripling, Wynton Marsalis and Nicholas Payton
(whose big band trumpet section Skonberg graces). However, with
her bravura performance on So is the Day, Bria Skonberg confirms
that she is not only indeed a triple threat musician - player,
vocalist and composer - but also that that esteemed lineage,
consummate entertainers all, would heartily approve her
membership. She exhibits stylistic shades of Peggy Lee, Dinah
Washington, and Diana Krall. She has a beautiful voice - both
soul sultry and innocent sweet - and an instrumentalist's feel
for melodic line and rhythm. Her vocal and horn chops intertwine
seamlessly. An in-fully versatile composer, Skonberg
delivers nine engaging originals, all stylistically unique. So is
the Day, while tipping a hat to tradition, appropriately pushes
Bria Skonberg to the forefront of today's musical talents. She
has it all - so does this superb .
Nicholas F. Mondello --All About Jazz
On her debut (U.S.) , trumpeter and vocalist Bria
Skonberg makes a diverse musical statement...it's clear she's up
to more than nostalgia. On trumpet, she's been nurtured in the
pre-Âbop traditions but stretches beyond to more modern
approaches. Her singing chops may remind of Norah Jones...and
she's excellent in the duo with veteran John Pizzarelli.
Greg Thomas --New York Daily News