Know the name Bria Skonberg? In case you aren’t familiar with the incredible trumpeter and vocalist coming to the Side Door on Friday, Feb. 12, you should listen to the great jazz guitarist, Bucky Pizzarelli:
“Bria radiates an energy that is so refreshing to see, and her compositional chops are on par with her ability to swing!”
– Bucky Pizzarell, legendary jazz guitarist
We were lucky that Bria was scheduled to tour Florida, when we learned that Palladium favorite Whitney James was ill and had to cancel her annual Valentine’s weekend gig.
In her place, Palladium jazz fans get to see one of the top new names in jazz, a talent hailed in a November issue of Vanity Fair as one of the “ Millennials are shaking up the Jazz World!” In that story and photo spread, Bria, 32, was pictured performing at Manderley Bar, in New York City, alongside singer Molly Ryan, 31, horn player Mike Davis, 24, and twin brothers Will and Peter Anderson, 28, on reeds. (We hope to bring the Anderson brothers here next season.)
She has also earned raves in the Wall Street Journal:
“Bria Skonberg looks like a Scandinavian angel (or Thor’s girlfriend), plays trumpet like a red hot devil, and sings like a dream. Her new album, “So Is the Day” reveals that she’s also a very capable bandleader and composer.”
– Will Friedwald, The Wall Street Journal
Bria Skonberg
Here are some excerpts from her bio:
Hailing from Chilliwack, BC, and now living in New York City, award winning trumpeter/vocalist/ composer BRIA SKONBERG is “poised to be one of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation.” She has earned a 2013 Jazz Journalists’ Association nomination for “Up and Coming Jazz Artist of The Year” and is included in DOWNBEAT Magazine’s Rising Star Critics‘ Poll for 2013.
Bria got her start as a professional big band singer at age sixteen doubling on trumpet and has since performed as a bandleader and guest artist all over North America, Europe, China Japan. Since arriving in New York three years ago she has appeared in concert halls and clubs such as Symphony Space, Birdland, The Iridium, and Dizzy’s among the likes of Nicholas Payton, Anat Cohen, Wycliffe Gordon, Bucky Pizzarelli and Scott Robinson.
Bria focuses on innovating while honoring tradition: She has studied with Warren Vache, experimented with fuzz pedals and presented a gig fusing jazz and stand up comedy. Best known for her knowledge of classic jazz and pursuit of worldwide adventure, she is creating a style all her own rooted in swampy New Orleans grooves, featuring world percussion and contemporary soul influenced vocals. Her debut American release, “So Is The Day”, peaked at #7 on the US National jazz charts and features an all-star ensemble including John Pizzarelli, Victor Goines and Wycliffe Gordon. Released on Random Act Records, 10% of all proceeds go to support the Jazz Foundation of America.
And how about one more quote to entice you:
“Bria Skonberg’s new CD is like a breath of fresh air in a stuffy room…She has a voice that is pure and almost little girl in quality except on bluesey items where she displays some of the authority of Dinah Washington…This is a totally fun album and very contagious. There is never a dull moment…most of all there is the bright, inquisitive talents and spirit of Bria Skonberg who promises to be a mighty musical force.”
– Marcia Hillman, New York Jazz Record
Tickets are going fast and this show is not moving from the Side Door, so only 181 lucky folks will get a chance to see this rising star. She’ll be backed up by a great trio led by St. Pete favorite, Nate Najar.
For tickets and more info, follow this link.
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