Ray Bryant RIP

[CJ Shearn]

I agree Justin, he plays on "Orgy in Rhythm" quite well. Ray is also marvelous on Benny Carter's elegant "Montreux '77". RIP

Edited June 3, 2011 by CJ Shearn

[John Tapscott]

Ray Bryant, RIP. And thanks for the wonderful music.

[Hardbopjazz]

Another one that's left us. I really enjoyed his piano playing. RIP Ray and thank you for the beautiful music you made.

[Ted O'Reilly]

Well, I've been thinking on this since last night. I got to know Ray well in the mid-sixties when he played Toronto a couple of times a year (in those days one would play a club for a couple of weeks), and even better when he lived in this city for half a decade after marrying a local woman. His house was a five-minute walk from mine, and we often had cocktail hour together.

The late John Norris (of Coda Magazine and Sackville Records renown) was a particular champion of his, bringing Ray over and over to the Cafe des Copains and Montreal Bistro in solo and trio settings throught the '80s and '90s. I recorded them all for radio broadcast (one session was released as "North Of The Border" Label M 495741, with Harry Anderson on bass and drummer Winard Harper).

One thing that always amazed me about Ray was that he rarely touched the piano if he wasn't playing a gig (read: being paid!). That doesn't mean he didn't take it seriously -- it was just that he knew what he wanted to play, and would be able to pull it out as needed.

He didn't seem to ever push beyond his own style, but style was not his target -- style was what Ray used to take aim. He could walk up to a piano and instantly bring forth the most intimate, swinging, bluesy playing matched only by, perhaps, Junior Mance...

The church was his foundation (his mother was a preacher), and while I certainly wouldn't have called him 'religious', he would often play a little spiritual (and a favourite of mine): "If I Can Just Make It Into Heaven". I think he probably made it there last night.

[alankin]

Thank for sharing, Ted. I just listened to "North of the Border" this morning.

[jazztrain]

He plays "If I Can Just Make It Into Heaven" on the "Somewhere In France" album. I listened to it on my commute home tonight and had the same thought that you did.

Well, I've been thinking on this since last night. I got to know Ray well in the mid-sixties when he played Toronto a couple of times a year (in those days one would play a club for a couple of weeks), and even better when he lived in this city for half a decade after marrying a local woman. His house was a five-minute walk from mine, and we often had cocktail hour together.

The late John Norris (of Coda Magazine and Sackville Records renown) was a particular champion of his, bringing Ray over and over to the Cafe des Copains and Montreal Bistro in solo and trio settings throught the '80s and '90s. I recorded them all for radio broadcast (one session was released as "North Of The Border" Label M 495741, with Harry Anderson on bass and drummer Winard Harper).

One thing that always amazed me about Ray was that he rarely touched the piano if he wasn't playing a gig (read: being paid!). That doesn't mean he didn't take it seriously -- it was just that he knew what he wanted to play, and would be able to pull it out as needed.

He didn't seem to ever push beyond his own style, but style was not his target -- style was what Ray used to take aim. He could walk up to a piano and instantly bring forth the most intimate, swinging, bluesy playing matched only by, perhaps, Junior Mance...

The church was his foundation (his mother was a preacher), and while I certainly wouldn't have called him 'religious', he would often play a little spiritual (and a favourite of mine): "If I Can Just Make It Into Heaven". I think he probably made it there last night.

[alankin]

Here's the NY Times obit:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/04/arts/music/ray-bryant-jazz-pianist-dies-at-79.html?src=recg

[Dan Gould]

Sad news but I am grooving to several of Ray's albums today, starting with the Somewhere in France recording (fabulous sound captured on a tape deck, iirc).

The former GHF always loved Ray for the same reasons - the groove he set, the blues sensibility, and the tremendous joy in his playing. Just a great musician.

[jazztrain]

Bryant also plays a longer version of "If I Can Just Make It Into Heaven" on the following 1991 solo piano recording: "Plays Blues and Ballads" (Jazz Connaisseur JCCD 9107-2)

He plays "If I Can Just Make It Into Heaven" on the "Somewhere In France" album. I listened to it on my commute home tonight and had the same thought that you did.

Well, I've been thinking on this since last night. I got to know Ray well in the mid-sixties when he played Toronto a couple of times a year (in those days one would play a club for a couple of weeks), and even better when he lived in this city for half a decade after marrying a local woman. His house was a five-minute walk from mine, and we often had cocktail hour together.

The late John Norris (of Coda Magazine and Sackville Records renown) was a particular champion of his, bringing Ray over and over to the Cafe des Copains and Montreal Bistro in solo and trio settings throught the '80s and '90s. I recorded them all for radio broadcast (one session was released as "North Of The Border" Label M 495741, with Harry Anderson on bass and drummer Winard Harper).

One thing that always amazed me about Ray was that he rarely touched the piano if he wasn't playing a gig (read: being paid!). That doesn't mean he didn't take it seriously -- it was just that he knew what he wanted to play, and would be able to pull it out as needed.

He didn't seem to ever push beyond his own style, but style was not his target -- style was what Ray used to take aim. He could walk up to a piano and instantly bring forth the most intimate, swinging, bluesy playing matched only by, perhaps, Junior Mance...

The church was his foundation (his mother was a preacher), and while I certainly wouldn't have called him 'religious', he would often play a little spiritual (and a favourite of mine): "If I Can Just Make It Into Heaven". I think he probably made it there last night.

[Justin V]

I'm listening to the Jo Jones Trio album from Jo Jones's The Everest Years. Between his sprightly playing and contribution of 3 compositions, Ray Bryant is really the album's not-so-secret weapon (and Jones's playing is frequently astounding). It's also worth noting that his brother Tommy is rock-solid on bass on this one. Has anyone heard the album that Tina May did of Bryant songs with Bryant on piano? I don't listen to many vocal albums, but I've been meaning to hear it for quite some time.

Edited June 7, 2011 by Justin V

[mikeweil]

I'm listening to the Jo Jones Trio album from Jo Jones's The Everest Years. Between his sprightly playing and contribution of 3 compositions, Ray Bryant is really the album's not-so-secret weapon (and Jones's playing is frequently astounding). It's also worth noting that his brother Tommy is rock-solid on bass on this one.

Yes, that's a great one! Have that on LP - will have to pull it out later ...

Has anyone heard the album that Tina May did of Bryant songs with Bryant on piano? I don't listen to many vocal albums, but I've been meaning to hear it for quite some time.

No - but sure would like to hear that! Any more info? Label, etc.?

[Justin V]

I'm listening to the Jo Jones Trio album from Jo Jones's The Everest Years. Between his sprightly playing and contribution of 3 compositions, Ray Bryant is really the album's not-so-secret weapon (and Jones's playing is frequently astounding). It's also worth noting that his brother Tommy is rock-solid on bass on this one.

Yes, that's a great one! Have that on LP - will have to pull it out later ...

Has anyone heard the album that Tina May did of Bryant songs with Bryant on piano? I don't listen to many vocal albums, but I've been meaning to hear it for quite some time.

No - but sure would like to hear that! Any more info? Label, etc.?

It's on 33 Records and can be found on Amazon (as a CD-R) or from Tina May's website. The album even has Ray Bryant's brother, Len, as a backing vocalist. Ray played piano on Len's 2006 album.

[mikeweil]

Thanks!

[king ubu]

His handsomely recorded (by Malcolm Addey) 1998 trio album on JMI "Ray's Tribute To His Jazz Piano Friends" (with Ray Drummond and Winard Harper) is a gem. Nice cover photo of Bryant and soulful accounts from him in the liner notes of his connection to each pianist he pays tribute to. The version of Brubeck's "The Duke" is exceptional; he really plays on that piece.

Got that one thanks to your recommendation, Larry - very good indeed!

The cover does seem to be different in the version I have, though:

Guess that here's what you have:

Mine's a European edition/pressing.