Central New York Jazz fans have a chance to hear one of the genre’s up-and- coming artists while also supporting a local art institution. Trumpet player and singer Bria Skonberg will be playing with her quintet Saturday at Munson Williams Proctor Art Institute in Utica. She’ll be sharing her somewhat genre-busting style.
“I grew up listening to the radio and old records, what my parents liked to listen to and then fused a bunch of global experience. I think everybody hears a little bit something different. But ultimately I want every one to have a good time; I feed off of the energy of the audience.”
The Canadian has published work and is shopping a new album to music labels. She’s seeking broad appeal, but began with the basics.
"I got my start in my hometown of British Columbia with a traditional jazz festival, Dixieland, it’s got to feel good, it’s got the groove in it. I like things build t from the drum kit up. I like to use rhythms quite a bit. And there’s different influences that went into that melting pot out of New Orleans, everything from Latin, Caribbean, African rhythms and such. So we just build on that.”
It’s a return to C-N-Y … Skonberg did a residency at Syracuse University. She learned herself playing with the jazz band and jazz choir.
“It’s always a really cool eye and ear opening experience to what their current interests are. And then for me it’s a joy to link it to the past and say, ‘this was done before by these heroes of ours. And they overcame these great barriers to bring these sensibilities to the music and that’s what you’re doing. This is how I can help you, ultimately”
Bria Skonberg will play Saturday Night at Munson Williams Proctor in Utica starting at 7:30 as part of their “performances series.”
