jazz2love

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. Performing in New York City opened her up to a talented pool of musicians, some of whom play on the disc, including bassist Evan Gregor, drummer Ross Pederson, and special guest, renowned trumpeter Ingrid Jensen.  Also appearing on the arrangements are vocalists Melissa Stylianou and Grammy-winning Nicole Zuraitis on backing vocals. Although Stokes's repertoire is rooted in jazz, she drew additional inspiration from singe...

Album:  Solo Sessions: Volume 1 Artist:  Brenda Earle Stokes Label:  Allsheneeds Music Website:  https://brendaearle.com Blues singer Brenda Earle Stokes shines brilliantly on her newest recording Solo Sessions:  Volume 1 .  The collection consists of a handful of jazz standards alongside original material and compositions seldomly heard penned by George Shearing and Steve Swallow.  Showcasing her talents as a singer, songwriter and pianist, Stokes demonstrates an affection for intimate lyrics shrouded in a torchlight glow. Her vocal stance is tall and proud in "Standing" as her keys twinkle stoutly, moving in a lyrical phrasing.  Many a times, Stokes's vocal delivery gives the impression that she is having a conversation with the listener like in "Weaver of Dreams."   She basks the listener in a cheerful mood as she flirtatiously incites, "You with your come hither smile / just to hear you speak just leaves me weak as a babe i...