Title: So Is the Day
Artist: Skonberg, Bria
Label: Random Act Records
Product Type: COMPACT DISCS
UPC: 884501700979
Genre: Jazz

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 O'Farrill, 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 Bria's voice and Lashway's gospel-tinged piano accompaniment. The cover tunes are just as inventive: Joni Mitchell's hit "Big Yellow Taxi" is given a Caribbean flavor, with a fine Flugelhorn solo; classical composer Erik Satie's instrumental piece "Gymnopedie" is an Afro/Cuban stomp, with a superb trombone solo by Michael Dease; and Irving Berlin's "Let Yourself Go" is transformed into a slinky/funky/swampy/sexy slide. The incredible John Pizzarelli does a guest star turn on Bria's own "I Wish I Hadn't Forgotten." Their voices are extremely complimentary on the swinger, and John offers a great guitar solo. "So Is The Day" backs up the claims 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!"

Tracks:
1.1 Keep Me in the Back of Your Mind
1.2 So Is the Day
1.3 Hip Check
1.4 I Wish I Hadn't Forgotten
1.5 Have a Little Heart
1.6 Far Away
1.7 Penny in Your Pocket
1.8 Let Yourself Go
1.9 Chilliwack Cheer
1.10 Big Yellow Taxi
1.11 Gymnopedie
1.12 My Friend

Skonberg, Bria: So Is the Day

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