Bria Skonberg
PROJECTS:
New York based and Canadian born singer, trumpeter, and songwriter Bria Skonberg has been described as one of the “most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation” (Wall Street Journal). Bria has stormed onto the jazz scene with her smoky vocals, blistering trumpet, and compelling compositions and arrangements. The Juno Award winner has sung the music of Aretha Franklin alongside Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, played with U2 at the iconic Apollo Theater, sat in with the Dave Matthews Band, was a featured guest with Jon Batiste, performed as part of The Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour, and sang the National Anthem at Madison Square Garden for a NY Rangers game.
The past few years have brought major life changes to everyone. In Bria Skonberg's case, in addition to the challenges of surviving as a professional musician during the pandemic, she experienced the joy of parenthood for the first time, two life-altering events that have together inspired her to feel a renewed sense of freedom in music making. Bria’s 2024 release, What It Means forges a way forward, in particular by returning to what inspired her in the first place: the sounds of New Orleans jazz. Recorded at Esplanade Studios during Mardi Gras of 2023, Bria is joined by an ensemble of established veterans and up and coming talent, including master Crescent City drummer Herlin Riley. This collection tells stories of life lessons that range from upbeat to down-to-earth to emotionally deep, all the while exhibiting both her mastery of the trumpet and her soulful and undeniably connective voice. Traditional jazz excursions such as "Petit Fleur" and "Elbow Bump;" a hard bop take on the Sonny & Cher hit "The Beat Goes On;" a duet with NOLA notable Gabrielle Cavassa on Van Morrison's "Days Like This;" a heartfelt dedication to her new child, John Lennon's "Beautiful Boy;" these and so many other tracks show how with her seventh studio album, Bria has solidified her artistry, mastering her signature style as one of the most distinctive artists in jazz.
JINGLE BELL SWING
New York based and Canadian born singer, trumpeter, and songwriter Bria Skonberg has been described as one of the “most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation” (Wall Street Journal). Bria has stormed onto the jazz scene with her smoky vocals, blistering trumpet, and compelling compositions and arrangements. The Juno Award winner brings her own take on seasonal favorites to stages this December, including her hit cover of "All I Want For Christmas is You" and her 2024 single, "Greensleeves (What Child is This)."
THE BEAT GOES ON (WITH SYMPHONY)
With her combination of blistering trumpet solos that shimmer with soul and a timeless singing voice that transports the listener across generations, the sensational Bria Skonberg is considered “one of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation” (Wall Street Journal). The Beat Goes On presents a singular new program that effortlessly blends sophisticated swing with the swagger and infectious grooves of the '60s and '70s. Backed by a dynamic orchestra, this show is a joyful ride through iconic melodies sung by the likes of Peggy Lee, brassy rhythm a la Quincy Jones, evocative originals, and storytelling from the heart. Featuring selections from Bria's chart-topping release With a Twist in addition to fresh treatments of a wide variety of classic material, The Beat Goes On is both deeply emotional and unbridled fun.
Bria is a Juno Award-winning artist and 12x DownBeat Rising Star who has been featured at hundreds of festivals and stages the world over, including New Orleans Jazz & Heritage, Monterey Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, and recently at Carnegie Hall.
PRESS QUOTES:
“If Louis Armstrong and Doris Day could somehow be the same person, they’d be Bria Skonberg”
The Wall Street Journal
“Ms. Skonberg has become the shining hope of hot jazz, on the strength of a clarion trumpet style indebted to Louis Armstrong, a smooth purr of a singing voice inspired by Anita O’Day.”
The New York Times
“A millennial shaking up the jazz world”
Vanity Fair
“One of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation”
The Wall Street Journal
“On her debut US recording, trumpeter and vocalist Bria Skonberg makes a diverse musical statement - it’s clear she’s up to more than nostalgia”
New York Daily News
“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”
All About Jazz
