Album Review: Motherhood from Brenda Earle Stokes
Album: Motherhood
Artist: Brenda Earl Stokes
Label: Self-Released
Website: https://brendaearle.com
brendaearlestokes.bandcamp.com/album/motherhood
facebook.com/BrendaEarleStokes
youtube.com/brendaearlestokes
IG: @brendaearlestokes
Pianist, vocalist, composer, and educator Brenda Earle Stokes returns with her sixth release as a leader entitled Motherhood. The recording is an assortment of ten original compositions that explore the private side of being mother, examining identity, fear, expectations, body image, friendship, and growth.
Although Stokes's repertoire is rooted in jazz, she drew additional inspiration from singer-songwriters, musical theater, spoken word, and 1960s protest songs, expanding her prowess as an emotive vocalist. Her vocal inflections portray human insecurities through "The Endless Wait," as Jensen's winding trumpet twirls and feathers out, nuzzling the melodic phrases.
Puncturing keys lodge tingling sensations across "This Is Your Childhood" framing Stokes's emotive vocals in glistening hues, as she reflects, "Open your eyes now / What do you see... your hand in mine / This is your childhood / Don't be afraid now / I won't let go / I'll be right next to you / As we watch the life / It's on a show."
The pensive mood of “Where Are the Mothers?" is seamed in the light breezy gossamer of subtle drumbeats and paddling keys, sowing silky wavelets. The disc moves into the saloon-like strut of the keys rollicking along "Loose Tooth Blues," threading ragtime twine into the track.
The smooth wail of Jensen's trumpet sculpts radiant streaks along “Saying Goodbye,” inserting gentle arches along the melodic progression. The disc winds up with the gospel-imbued aria of “The Strength of a Woman," followed by the spirited cadence of “Happy Mother’s Day.”
A native of Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, Stokes started studying classical piano at the age of four. She ended up at Manhattan School of Music, where she earned a master’s degree in jazz piano and voice. She has been a bandleader and employed as an accompanist, working with the likes of John Riley, Dick Oatts, Joel Frahm, Roxy Coss, Wycliffe Gordon, Maurice Hines, and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra. She has held residencies at the Kennedy Center and Banff Center for Fine Arts and was a finalist of the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Piano Competition. Additionally winning the IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators) Sister’s in Jazz competition and recognized as one of the top emerging jazz artists of her generation.
Her experiences as a student, teacher, recording artist, live performer, and now a mother have all contributed to her repertoire. Combining vocal jazz, adult pop, ragtime swing, gospel, and soul into her music, Brenda Earle Stokes is the Michael McDonald of her generation, and the Michael Bolton of the vocal jazz spectrum.
Musicians:
Brenda Earle Stokes - vocals, piano, and producer
Evan Gregor - bass
Ross Pederson - drums
Ingrid Jensen - trumpet
Melissa Stylianou and Nicole Zuraitis - supporting vocals
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