The Brianna Thomas Band

Brianna Thomas

Born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, Brianna Thomas grew up surrounded  by music. Her father, Charlie Thomas, not only influenced her with his own unique talents as a vocalist and percussionist, he created an  exceptionally well-rounded musical  environment that fostered Brianna’s emerging abilities.

At the tender age of six, Thomas made her singing debut performing a duet rendition of the jazz classic, What A Wonderful World with her father. At the age of eight she won her first of 13 trophies, all first place and overall, from various district and regional talent shows. Between the ages of eight and 10 she had her first gigs performing for a variety of banquets, black tie affairs, and as a guest on local radio stations. It didn’t take long for people to notice her talent and potential. Just shy of her teens, her talents were discovered by distinguished jazz educator Mary Jo Papich. Soon after, Thomas toured Europe with the Peoria Jazz All-Stars, a big band under Papich’s direction. This was the beginning of Thomas’ career as jazz vocalist.

Thomas’ singing is deeply enriched by an understanding of the masterful voices of jazz past. Beyond a healthy serving of sass, Sarah Vaughan’s influence contributes to Thomas’ style the artistic savvy needed to communicate myriad moods and feelings as well as a keen instrumental perspective. Add to that a coyness reminiscent of Nancy Wilson, an Ella-esque skill and enthusiasm for scatting, and the stylistic breadth and vocal grandeur evocative of Dianne Reeves. 

Perhaps Thomas’ greatest asset is the soulfulness of her sound. Captivatingly unique, her sound moves in tones ranging from sweet invitations to assured  convictions, establishing  a  personal  and  classic  quality  that  leaves  listeners swooning after her performances.

Thomas’ talents have propelled her to many successes including performances at the Montreux, North  Sea, and Umbria Jazz Festivals and in  venues ranging from the Bahamas to Geneva, Switzerland. Thomas was a resident in both the 2001 and 2002 Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Programs  –  an international artist-in-residence  program that assembles a select group of jazz musicians to perform their original compositions at the Kennedy Center. At Jazz Ahead she worked with a host of premier jazz educators and performers  including  renowned  vocalist  Carmen  Lundy,  Winard  Harper, and  Nathan Davis.

Thomas’ extensive list of stateside  performances includes appearances  with Fred Anderson, Von Freeman, Houston Person, and the Barber Brothers. She has performed across the country from New Orleans to Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center. In 2001, Thomas was dubbed High School Jazz Vocalist of the Year by Downbeat magazine. Notably,  Thomas is the  youngest person ever to be inducted  into Peoria’s African-American Hall of Fame at the age of 13 in 1996. She has also received a certificate of excellence from the state of Illinois in recognition of her musical accomplishments.

Thomas has blazed a path in  the  world of jazz and continues a stellar ascent.  With dedication, hard work, and a sparkling personality, she is sure to become one of jazz’s most prominent voices. The words of legendary trombonist Curtis Fuller best illustrate Brianna Thomas’ abilities, hailing her as a “marvelous new artist who has all it takes to reach the top of the jazz profession and music in general.”