Bria Skonberg - Brass

After many years of working to synthesize voice and trumpet, Juno Award Winner Bria Skonberg has chosen to explore them both individually. Her new album on Cellar Music is the first of those explorations - ' Brass'. For Bria Skonberg studying the trumpet has been a true labor of love. Through precision, power, style, and/or subtlety, this collection of songs and arrangements is a celebration of her favorite elements of playing the trumpet. Her trio of Luther Allison, Eric Wheeler and Darrian Douglas provides a highly swinging, steady yet versatile foundation for the project. The trumpet is ultimately an extension of Bria Skonberg's voice, and the beauty of instrumental music is it can often express emotions without words.

As with previous projects, Skonberg finds a way forward by building on the past - writing a number for pioneer brass instrumentalist Dolly Jones, as well as featured future trailblazer Kellin Hanas. 'The shining hope of hot jazz' is a phrase used by The New York Times to describe Canadian trumpeter, vocalist, and songwriter Bria Skonberg, recognizing her vibrant, modern take on traditional jazz with a style indebted to Louis Armstrong and blending fiery trumpet with smoky vocals. She's known for bringing a contemporary feel and humanity to classic jazz, rooted in the blues, making her a prominent figure in revitalizing the genre.