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.   “She has her own way of writing music that meshes fine with modern jazz esthetics.” – JazzTimes   “…the first to stand out was pianist-singer Brenda Earle, whose talent gracefully bridges jazz and pop.”– The Washington Post   “Stokes revs up on eclecticism, centering her jazz improvisation and pop-jazz adventures…shimmers with energetic scatting and cheery piano” – Downbeat Magazine   “This music speaks to artistic sophistication while addressing the quiet comforts of the medium.” – Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz   www.brendaearle.com