Brenda Earle Stokes

Motherhood (Independent)

Brenda Earle Stokes is a rare jazz artist with a true command of both the voice and the piano. Hailed as “a breezy delight” by Time Out New York, Brenda’s music is rooted in the jazz tradition with influences ranging from Brazilian music to rock radio. A natural multitasker, Stokes has fused a passion for the piano and a love of singing into a vibrant career that crosses genres organically. A native of Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, Brenda’s career has taken her across Canada and US, and internationally performing at venues like the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, the Toronto Jazz festival, Avery Fischer Hall and the Christchurch Arts Festival in New Zealand.
Her latest release – Motherhood – shares the journey of motherhood with songs exploring identity, fear, expectations, body image, friendship and growth. Rooted in the harmonic and improvisational language of jazz, Stokes drew additional inspiration from singer-songwriters, music theater, spoken word and 1960s protest songs. Each song is richly orchestrated by a four-piece ensemble jazz ensemble featuring bassist Evan Gregor and drummer Ross Pederson, with additional support from vocalists Melissa Stylianou and Nicole Zuraitis. Special guest trumpet player Ingrid Jensen rounds out the group, having been especially drawn to this project as a fellow mom. The ensemble provides an energetic backdrop for Stokes’ material which is at once honest, thought provoking and laced with humor.

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Personnel

Brenda Earle Stokes - voice and piano
Evan Gregor - bass
Ross Pederson - drums
Ingrid Jensen - trumpet
Melissa Stylianou & Nicole Zuraitis - backing vocals
Produced by Brenda Earle Stokes
All songs written and arranged by Brenda Earle Stokes (Allsheneeds Music/SOCAN)
Engineered, Mixed and Mastered by Chris Allen
Recorded October 8th and 9th, 2023 at Samurai Studios in Queens, NY
Backing vocals recorded October 30th at 35th Street Studio in NYC
Photos by Matt Baker
Hair and makeup by Irina Charkova
Album Design by Simon Paul

Track Listing

  1. The Endless Wait
  2. This is Your Childhood
  3. Who Am I Now?
  4. Where Are the Mothers?
  5. Kathleen
  6. Loose Tooth Blues
  7. Saying Goodbye
  8. Sharp Edges
  9. The Strength of a Woman
  10. Happy Mother’s Day

The Authoritative Voice in Jazz