Ray Bryant on EmArcy in the 80s and 90s

DrJ · June 4, 2006

I just wanted to say that Mr. Bryant laid down some of the finest jazz recordings on the planet during this time period, yet they are shamefully obscure because most were made for EmArcy (some Japanese only) and are long out of print. I was tipped off by the Penguin Guide guys who raved in an earlier edition...and so found TRIO TODAY and flipped.

I now have all of the following EmArcy recordings - most took me literally YEARS to locate at a reasonable price - and would recommend them highly to anyone who likes adventurous, distinctive, yet relaxed piano-based jazz:

TRIO TODAY

PLAYS BASIE AND ELLINGTON

GOLDEN EARRINGS

THROUGH THE YEARS, VOL. 1

NO PROBLEM (one of the few non-trio dates - has Kenny Burrell along!)

ALL YOURS...AND MINE

MEETS RAY BROWN + 1

You listen to a tune like Bryant's rendition of "Nardis" on TRIO TODAY and you can be lulled into thinking it's just an easy listenin' rendition, until you REALLY listen and hear him explode (quietly, always quietly) in the middle section. The restraint mixed with fire, tempered by many years of experience is striking and so rare in jazz of this era.

Still missing in action for me on the Bryant EmArcy front are BLUE MOODS, SOLO LIVE IN TOKYO - PLAYS BLUES AND BOOGIE, and THROUGH THE YEARS VOL. 2 - plus a track on an EmArcy comp called JAZZ AT ITS FINEST: EMARCY TODAY. I WILL get all these eventually, this stuff is THAT good.

Anyone else enjoy this music?

Edited June 4, 2006 by DrJ

jazzbo · June 4, 2006

I've missed all these, but of course I'll take YOUR word for it because I trust your ears and likes! Ray's work has long impressed me and it's a shame he's not a better known and more lauded performer. His touch and his energy and his swing. . . ah. . . he can bring such joy.