Jazzmatazz Review - Somewhere in France

Ray Bryant

Somewhere in France

(Label M)

The premiere release from Joel Dorn's new Label M is a live solo piano recording from Ray Byrant called Somewhere in France. This unreleased recording from 1993 was found in a garbage bag in Bryant's china closet with a bunch of other unmarked cassettes, which explains the "Somewhere" part of the title. Remarkably, this recording sounds quite good, even not considering its non-archival storage.

One of the highlights of the set is a marvelous version of Dizzy Gillespie's "Con Alma" where Bryant makes orchestral use of the keyboard in his arrangement. He gets to show off his boogie-woogie on "In the Back Room." The CD closes with a lively rendering of W.C. Handy's "St. Louis Blues."

Ray Bryant has been recording for over 40 years. His speed and technical skill reflect the influence of Art Tatum, while at the same time his playing displays the relaxed feel of Teddy Wilson. He sounds best as a solo artist. His playing incorporates a wide range of styles, including stride, boogie-woogie, blues, bop, and gospel. (In some ways his eclecticism reminds me of Jaki Byard.) Ray Byrant has plenty of technique, which he uses for the sake of the music, not just to be a virtuoso.

This beautiful CD is a good start for Label M.

— Alan Lankin, 21 Sept 2000

Release Date: 26 September 2000
Tracks: 1. Take The 'A' Train / 2. Blues In G/Willow Weep For Me / 3. Con Alma / 4. Slow Freight / 5. Jungletown Jubilee / 6. Django / 7. After Hours / 8. When I Look In Your Eyes / 9. Good Morning Heartache / 10. In The Back Room / 11. If I Could Just Make It Into Heaven / 12. St. Louis Blues / 13. Until It's Time For You To Go
Personnel: Ray Bryant (piano)

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last update 24 Sept 2000