(Sound On Purpose Records)

Brianna Thomas is an incredibly exciting new voice on the scene and her debut recording is simply extraordinary. You Must Believe In Love not only showcases the versatility of Thomas vocally, but also her ability to deliver the emotional depth inherent in the material that comprises this effort. Her command of power and subtlety is a delight to hear. Thomas is also quite the arranger and composer, contributing 4 of her own originals, and as many arrangements to compositions by Ray Henderson, Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, Hoagy Carmichael and Michel LeGrand. Pianist Allyn Johnson, bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr. are Thomas’ core trio. Joining in the party are guests guitarist Russell Malone, trumpeter Marcus Printup, trombonists Wycliffe Gordon and Nick Grinder, harpist Riza Printup and tenor saxophonist Tivon Penticott. Ms. Thomas is an outstanding talent and the opportunity to hear this fact for yourself should not be missed.