On the Town: Local singer finds herself among good company

Influenced by singers Sarah Bareilles and Michael Bublé, Burbank resident Brynn Stanley has developed a style that is also reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald, Norah Jones and Rosemary Clooney.

That’s not being bad company to be associated with, and it is also the reason Stanley has developed a loyal following of fans, both on the East Coast where she grew up, as well as here in her adopted home of Burbank.

It was many of those fans and friends including Stephen Vasquez, Sonny Chianese, Alexis Mativi, Rebecca Novell and Matt Cordon who recently packed the Mint in Los Angeles as Stanley celebrated her birthday by presenting a performance of original material featured on her 2015 debut album “Hello, California.”

Taking to the stage of the kitschy music venue that opened in 1937, Stanley stood behind her keyboard looking out at the same ornate lamps, plush velvet drapes and Johnny Cash paintings that adorn the walls as have Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, the Wallflowers and many other musical notables.

According to Stanley, the roots of her performing can be traced to the living room of her parents’ New Jersey home, where she and her sister orchestrated shows that included singing and screenings of short films and music videos she produced, directed and in which she starred.

While her early performances were largely family affairs, that changed when Stanley attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and landed the role of Sheila in the musical “Hair,” which, in turn, led to performances throughout New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, where she twice sang for official events held by the Garden State’s Gov. Chris Christie.

A soulful singer whose style blends classic jazz with compelling pop and soft rock, Stanley and her jazz trio band, composed of musical director and bassist Omar D. Brancato, guitarist Dean Anbar and drummer Jacob Bell, have been performing regularly at many local venues including Hollywood’s legendary Chateau Marmot, Vitello’s Jazz and Supper Club in Studio City and at Herb Albert’s club, Vibrato Grill, in Los Angeles.

Following last week’s show at the Mint, which included a special musical birthday number performed by Stanley’s boyfriend, actor and singer Philip Daniel, the songstress departed for the East Coast, where she will be both performing and visiting with family. Her next Southern California show is scheduled for July 25 at the the Dresden, 1760 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles.

For more information about Stanley, her upcoming shows and her CD, visit her website at brynnstanley.com.

DAVID LAURELL may be reached by email at dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007.