Ray Bryant

From WBGO's website, a tribute to this magnificent pianist.

Soulful, boogie-woogie-blues stylist Ray Bryant passed away on Thursday, June 2nd at New York Hospital in Queens.  He was 79.  Here's the New York Times obituary.  WBGO's Becca Pulliam recently interviewed pianist Randy Weston regarding Bryant's legacy.  Listen to Weston's take on his close friend's unique style and favorite recordings.

There are several sound clips on the page.


 From the Times obit: Mr. Bryant had a firm touch and an unshakable sense of time, notably in his left hand, which he often used to build a bedrock vamp. Even in a bebop setting, he favored the ringing tonalities of the gospel church. And he was sumptuously at home with the blues, as a style and a sensibility but never as an affectation. 

Along with his wife, Mr. Bryant is survived by a son, Raphael Bryant Jr.; a daughter, Gina; three grandchildren; and two brothers, Leonard and Lynwood. Mr. Bryant’s sister, Vera Eubanks, is the mother of several prominent jazz musicians: Robin Eubanks, a trombonist; Kevin Eubanks, the guitarist and former bandleader on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”; and Duane Eubanks, a trumpeter.