Brass [CD]

After many years of working to synthesize voice and trumpet, Bria Skonberg has chosen to explore them both individually. Her new album on Cellar Music is the first of those explorations - ' Brass'. For Juno award winner 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.