Soliloquy

An act of expressing one’s inner most thoughts aloud.

On her sixth album, Sylvia Brooks, a classically trained actor, has always been captivated by the power and beauty of language. Drawing inspiration from the poetic musings of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, she masterfully weaves tales that highlight the fragile essence of the human experience. To her, words are not just mere letters; they are vibrant stories waiting to be told, stories that spark conversation and evoke emotion.

On Soliloquy, she explores what she calls Lyric Jazz. Whether it’s the heartfelt depiction of witnessing an eight-year-old girl shine in a dance recital alongside her troupe, as she embraces the challenges of Down Syndrome (in her poignant piece “Lizzie’s Dance”), a tribute to the French observation artist Sophie Calle about the moment a love affair ends, or the haunting exploration of a love that spans continents in the year 1923 (“Instinct of Love”), Sylvia’s narratives pulse with the vulnerabilities of life.

In collaboration with the highly accomplished Christian Jacob, who brings her words to life with breathtaking melodies and arrangements, “Soliloquy” delves into the depths of our shared trials and tribulations. The collection also features stirring compositions by iconic artists Sting, Tom Waits, and Mal Waldron, each song unfolding a unique and compelling story.

Raised in a household steeped in jazz and opera, Sylvia’s passion for music ignites her work. She says, “Sometimes in life, you stumble upon something truly extraordinary. My goal is to share those moments through song, inviting the listener to join me on that journey. I hope that through ‘Soliloquy’, you can savor the same sense of wonder that enveloped me during those unforgettable experiences.”

Join Sylvia on this evocative adventure, where every note and lyric brings the rich tapestry of human emotions to life.