Classic Christmas (Sonopath Music)
Brynn Stanley
Released in 2019
DownBeat Four-Star Review
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_k5yUUoxGNXOLQ9ljPeMlV9D2HQU0QFPt0
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/6pNdFk9mnrSYezt9jMd1X4?si=8D7bZV5UQfyTa6sKrOq-XA
About:
Brynn got her start playing piano and singing with her sister, Jackie, in her parents’ living room. She would orchestrate family performances, and force her siblings to be in her short films and music videos. And thanks to her Dad’s shared love of the Beatles, Brynn memorized the words to every song and learned to sing harmony. Early stage fright reserved those performances for her family living room, but while attending Fairleigh Dickinson University, Brynn took a leap of faith and began to sing publicly.
One night, while sitting around a piano with friends singing Broadway show tunes, Brynn’s friends encouraged her to try out for the upcoming musical. She eventually landed the lead role of ‘Sheila’ in the musical “Hair”. The following year Brynn changed her major to pursue her newfound passion.
After graduation, Brynn embarked on a singing career, immersing herself in countless performances with the most polished bands and venues in the Tri-State area. These performances included being the featured vocalist for official events held by the Governor of New Jersey and appearances at Mayo Performing Arts Center, The Metropolitan Room and Shanghai Jazz.
In 2013, Brynn headed West to California to broaden her career prospects and, through newly formed musical relationships, created her first ever original album, 2015’s “Hello, California”. The album is a unique blend of contemporary pop and hints of the jazz she loves, with influences ranging from Sara Bareilles to Michael Bublé.
Ultimately, Brynn knew she wanted to record standards from the Great American Songbook. Thanks to Executive Producer, Eric Lindquist of Sonopath Productions, this dream became a reality with the release of “Classic”, Brynn’s five-song EP. The recordings were done in Los Angeles with Grammy & Emmy Award-nominated engineer Jorge Vivo (Michael Buble, Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion) and producer & jazz recording artist Tony Guerrero (Dick Van Dyke, Jane Lynch, Paul McCartney, Freddie Hubbard) at the helm. Brynn has continued her successful collaboration with Eric, Tony and Jorge for the production of her new album, “Classic Christmas,” released on September 20th, 2019. A shared vision, complementary personalities and combined talents blend into the perfect collaborative team. Brynn’s vision is to bring the warmth and nostalgia of her childhood memories through a unique selection of classic holiday favorites. The team’s exceptional arrangements around timeless holiday classics will bring joy into the homes and hearts of every generation for years to come.
Track Listing:
1. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer 3:33
2. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! 3:44
3. This Time of the Year 4:11
4. Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) 3:06
5. Meet Me in the Middle (In the Snow) 3:21
6. Selfie with Santa 4:25
7. Jingle Bells 3:07
8. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 4:51
9. I Love the Winter Weather 2:41
10. What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? 2:53
Personnel:
Brynn Stanley: vocals
Tony Guerrero: trumpet, keyboards
Bill Cantos: piano
Will Brahm: guitar
Steve DiStanislao: drums
David Enos: bass
Slim Man: vocals (5)
Orchestra:
Lisa Dondlinger, Amy Wickman, Jennifer Takamatsu, Chung Mei Chang, Ina Veli, Daphne Chen, Chris Woods, Laurann Estevez, Leah Katz, Rodney Wirtz, Briana Bandy, Ginger Murphy, Alisha Bauer, Adrienne Woods
Produced by Tony Guerrero & Jorge Vivo
Executive Producer: Eric Lindquist
Review:
Talented singer Brynn Stanley projects unstudied rapport with the melodies and messages of the 10 songs comprising her Classic Christmas. The pure tones and shadings of her appealing voice invite return listens to Brook Benton’s “This Time Of The Year” and the Tony Bennettidentified “I Love The Winter Weather.” Supported by a big band led by arranger/co-producer Tony Guerrero or a combo, sometimes strings and a vocal group, Stanley makes sure her singing elevates the human spirit.
Frank-John Hadley (DownBeat)
