BS February News & Updates

Juno Nomination, New Music, NY Hot Jazz Camps, Jazz Standard and VDay!

Hey Everybody! We've entered a snow globe in NYC today which reminds me of these funny signs I used to see at LGA airport :)

BIG NEWS: The album "Bria" that YOU supported through Pledge Music has been nominated for a Juno Award! Yes, that's like a Canadian Grammy. This has been such an exciting project from the get-go and I have not forgotten where the support came from to start. THANK YOU!

Since the album was picked up by a major label, I didn't have to come knocking this time ;) I've just finished recording and mixing what I think is the most ambitious project to date, my first official album for SONY. I worked with Producer Matt Pierson again + Gil Goldstein, an incredible soul who has worked with everyone from Wayne Shorter to Bobby McFerrin and arranged for Chris Botti, Esperanza Spalding and more. The themes of this album are LOVE and ADVENTURE, uplifting music for crazy times and like minded people. I cannot wait to share it with you!

JAZZ CAMP season is coming up fast! The youth venture is still scheduled for April 10-14th although it's been a challenge finding our niche audience in the local culture. If you live in the NY area and have kids between 10-15 years old I would love to talk to you; Just reply to this email. In the meanwhile we've been offering free workshops and I'll be hosting a few open jams in March as well. We're all learning here and I will keep you updated on the progress.

ADULT CAMP May 15-21st is going full speed ahead! Apply now to save your spot. This year we're lucky to have guest clinicians Vince Giordano and Cynthia Sayer as well as renowned trumpeter Randy Reinhart joining the faculty! We're planning a day trip to the Harlem Jazz Museum, Apollo Theatre and Cotton Club with of course a stop for our very own "Great Day in Harlem" pic.

This month's highlight: VALENTINE'S DAY at the JAZZ STANDARD. Even if your sweetheart loathes Valentine's Day

(I get it) they won't need convincing that Blue Smoke BBQ and good music go hand in hand. For this night I'll feature a very special guest, the great HOUSTON PERSON on sax. Houston has worked with everyone including a long time partnership with Etta James. I can't wait! Also featured are Mathis Picard on piano, Corcoran Holt on bass and Alvin Atkinson on drums/vocals. TICKETS HERE

All right everybody, thanks for hanging out with me on this blustery day. Time to practice!

Bria xo

One of the BEST parts of this JUNO nomination is that my close Capilano University Jazz Studies friends Amanda Tosoff and Cat Toren are also nominated for their own projects. Case and point, surround yourself with people that inspire and challenge you and everyone wins. THANK YOU all who voted; Can't wait to meet the other nominees!

Hearing the incredible Bashiri Johnson lay down the last percussion tracks for the next album w/ producer Matt Pierson and engineer Rock. Thanks Sony Masterworks! We're going to put some love into 2017, just you wait!!

The "Glass Ceiling" Panel talk on the Jazz Cruise hosted by Jennifer Wharton featuring Leisl Whitaker, Ada Rovatti, Renee Rosnes et moi

All smiles at Shelter Island Sound recording studio yesterday with owner Steve Addabbo and my super partner in crime, producer Matt Pierson. Most ambitious project coming out later this year, lookout!!

Nature's Fireworks All aboard the Jazz Cruise!