Bria Skonberg, a singer who plays trumpet (or is she a trumpet player who sings?), Who cares? She does them both well as this, her latest album goes to show.
Watch What Happens: The Legrand tune lopes along nicely. the voice grabs you from the first note. A scat chorus and some muted trumpet sets the scene for a good start.
I'm Glad There is You: The Jimmy Dorsey tune has been a long time favourite of mine but this the first time I can recall hearing the verse. The string quartet sawing away provide a cushion for some mellow trumpet.
Mood Indigo: Sung over an All Blues riff, an unusual combination that works, Bria switches from husky vocal to some appropriate Milesian muted trumpet. The vocal touches on Ella.
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: A swinger! Vocal, open horn, piano, drums and a familiar riff.
If You go Away: An emotional version of a song associated with Edith Piaf. Bria smooths it out although the accordion and the string quartet keep it in and around Montmartre.
Fragile: Sting penned this one. Strings and alto flute add depth to the ethereal nature of both melody and lyric. Bria is delicately muted and the whole thing is indeed fragile - but in a beautiful way.
So it Goes: Bria composed this nice easy swing number. The rhythm section is totally laid back and the vocal just floats above it.
Tell Him I Said Hello: Jack Canning and Bill Hegner are credited. I don't know if they composed any other songs but, on the strength of this one alone, their kudos is confirmed. Bria rubber stamps it.
We'll be Together Again: Frankie Laine and his then accompanist Carl Fischer combined for this classic. A melancholy vocal, a few bars of bass clarinet and the strings add to the aura of sadness that brings the album to a close.
A gem! Lance
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