What It Means

New York based Canadian Bria Skonberg is a Juno award winning triple threat trumpeter, singer and songwriter. Called the "shining hope of hot jazz" by the NY Times, Bria has performed hundreds of festivals and stages the world over including the New Orleans, Monterey, Newport and Montreal Jazz Festivals. Described as "one of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation" - 'What It Means' is a return to what first inspired Skonberg: 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 (Darling 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.