Jazz is a four letter word, but for trumpeter and vocalist Brian Newman, that’s entirely the point. His newest album, ELECTRIC LOUNGE, shows just that.
ELECTRIC LOUNGE provides Newman with the opportunity to bust the art form out of its constraints, to allow the jazz influences of Miles Davis and Chet Baker, the American Songbook influences of Gershwin and Porter to find room with the modern songbook through his love of bands such as Nirvana, Willie Nelson, Elliot Smith and The Police.
Recently, Brian got the chance to perform with Wynton Marsalis for performances tied to the US Tennis Open in NYC and he co-produced with Lady Gaga the track, “La Vie En Rose,” featured in the film, A Star Is Born. Has been featured on MTV Unplugged, PBS Great Performances and numerous live events at Radio City Music Hall. Brian was also the bandleader, arranger and trumpeter for Lady Gaga’s & Tony Bennett’s “Cheek to Cheek” album and tour. Brian did the same for the duos 6 time Grammy nominated album “Love For Sale.” Brian is the on-going bandleader and arranger for Lady Gaga’s Jazz & Piano show during her Las Vegas residency as well as the current Creative Director and anchor performer at the Jazz Club at Aman New York. Brian also has his own late night Vegas residency at the Nomad Library, called Brian Newman: AFTER DARK. It has featured Terence Blanchard, Lady Gaga, Ashanti, Robbie Kreiger, Angie Pontani and many more. His widely heralded late night romp is truly where the Old Vegas vibes never sleep.
“Newman’s show has the DNA of legendary performances in Vegas’ golden lounge era, seizing the vibe made famous by Louis Prima in the late 1950s and into the ’60s. We see footage and photos of those days, and wonder what it was like. We have a version of it now. “ Johnny Katsilometes Las Vegas Review Journal
“We are bringing the Great American Songbook to another level but still respecting and honoring the tradition. Music shouldn’t be placed in a glass jar. Whether it’s a Kurt Cobain song or Cole Porter, we can make this truly American music accessible,” states Newman. “That’s what I do- and I am going to always do that.”
