Bria Skonberg Quartet Plays The Perry Pavilion

When the city of Chilliwack, British Columbia comes up in a conversation ( if it ever does), one's first thought does not turn to jazz. Now it should because jazz vocalist/trumpet player Bria Skonberg comes from that small Canadian city. Called the "shining hope of hot jazz," Skonberg has appeared on over 25 albums either as a leader or band member. She has won the Jazz At Lincoln Center Swing Award, awarded the Best Vocal and Best Trumpet from Hot House Jazz Magazine and Outstanding Jazz Artist at the Bistro Awards.

Accompanying Skonberg at Norfolk, Virginia's Perry Pavilion was Curtis Nowosad on drums, Adi Meyerson on bass and on keyboards Chris Pattishall. Mixing the program between vocals and instrumentals, standards and originals, Skonberg won over many new fans who were hearing her for the first time. Skonberg's singing and playing were the perfect mix of soft, heartfelt romanticism and loud, brassy and explosive swing. By the end of the evening (two 45-minute sets) the audience was on it's feet cheering for more. Hopefully, there will be a return engagement.