Ronnell Bright - Complete Recordings 1956-1958 (2009)

Ronnell Bright is one of the most underrated jazz pianists of his generation. His classical background led him to approach the instrument with respect for its fullest potential, while much of his jazz apprenticeship was served with Chicago s Johnny Pate Trio. Bright s virtues include an exuberant beat and a supple, pliant conception at medium and up-tempos, with a subtle tenderness in ballads. His playing is full of technical ease, with an expressively pianistic touch, and he can create fascinatingly complete statements when he digs in. This compilation includes all his trio recordings. The opening track was recorded in his Chicago hometown with two local musicians. The second date, his first as a leader, was done shortly after the pianist hit the Big Apple in 1956, with bassist Leonard Gaskin and guitarist Kenny Burrell; they provided very capable support, with Burrell in particular soloing well. The following sessions were with Joe Benjamin and Bill Clark, who integrated with skill and taste into his New York trio. The rewarding last session, with Richard Davis and Art Morgan, took place in Paris while Bright s trio was accompanying Sarah Vaughan during the singer s European tour in 1958.

TRACKLIST

CD1

01 Bright Bounce
02 Pennies From Heaven
03 Gone With The Wind
04 If I'm Lucky
05 Blue Zepher
06 Struttin' In 52
07 I See Your Face Before Me
08 Bright's Spot
09 Little Girl Blue
10 I Remember You
11 Randall's Island
12 Sallye
13 People Will Say We're In Love
14 Liza
15 It Never Entered My Mind
16 For Pete's Sake
17 Toasted 'Ammond
18 It Could Happenn To You
19 How Little We Know
20 Bohemia, U.S.A
21 I've Grown Accustomed To Your Face

CD2

01 The Champ
02 Easy Listening Blues
03 Chasing Sarah
04 Doxology
05 Sail 'Em
06 Thing Aint't What They Used To Be
07 Johnny Pate's Blues
08 R And R Groove