I’m not sure how Fresh Sound Records keeps finding these obscure gems, but all I can say is, whoever you’re bribing to get them, keep slipping them the money. This single disc from trumpeter Bobby Bryant is a SMOKER!
Bryant (1934-1998) made his name with Charles Mingus and Gerald Wilson, but made his living in the studios and with Vic Damone, playing for and arranging much of the vocalists music. There are two albums squeezed onto this disc. The first one up from 1961 is a hard hitting big band session which includes James Spaulding/ts-fl, and it’s got a swagger that is like getting a sock in the jaw from Ali on “Blues Excerpt” with a hummer of a tenor solo from Mr. S. A read of “ ‘Round Midnight” has Spaulding glowing mysteriously on the flute, but the star here is Bryant. His muted horn is a force to be reckoned with on “Cry Me A River” and his sense of rhythm is gospel drenched on “Cry Me A River.” The arrangements have a cocky feel that is infectious, hard hitting bop with just a dash of looking left of center, with more hooks than Joe Frazier.
The second session from 1959 has him in a session led by frenetic drummer Larry “Wild” Wrice along with Bobby Blevins/B3 and a return of Spaulding. Bryant and Spaulding do tag team wrestling on “Husky” and “Church Seat.” Spaulding’s horn cries like Earl Bostic on “Nocturne” and Bryant pierces like an ice pick on ‘Swingin’ & Things.” Wrice sizzles in the pan as he’s featured on “Wild Wrice” and the whole album brims over from exuberance. This is a mother of a roller coaster ride. Raise up your hands and enjoy the G forces!
Fresh Sound Records