Len Bryant: It�s Now Midnight (Waiting for Your Love) (2006)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

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Published: March 26, 2006

Len Bryant: It�s Now Midnight (Waiting for Your Love)

Singer Len Bryant comes from a musical family. Jazz pianist Ray Bryant is his brother. Their other brother, Tom, who sang and played bass, recorded with Ray. Len's nephews, the sons of their sister Vera, carry on the family tradition with pride: guitarist Kevin Eubanks, trombonists Robin and Shane Eubanks, and trumpeter Duane Eubanks. Vera Eubanks is also an accomplished pianist, organist, clarinetist, singer and arranger. Len's career as a drummer in and around Philadelphia has been fruitful.

Bryant's debut album as a singer is filled with soul and maintains a focus on his clear voice while moving seamlessly through pop, R&B, and timeless ballads.

With "Lush Life, he and Ralph Bowen recall the interpretation by Johnny Hartman and John Coltrane. With "My Funny Valentine, he strolls through a leisurely bossa nova interpretation that swirls with strings and romantic dreams. Bryant's tenor voice and falsetto lend an earnest quality to his pop arrangements and belie the experience that he's had in doo-wop. "When I Fall in Love falls gently around a passionate arrangement that sizzles with inner fire.

To close the album, his instrumental arrangement of "All Blues turns funky with a nod to Bryant's saucy drumming. Along with his four talented musical comrades, the singer/drummer has created a lovely session that's sure to be appreciated by a broad audience.

Track Listing: It�s Now Midnight (Waiting for Your Love); Angel Eyes; Hello; Shake a Lady; Lush Life; When I Fall in Love; My Funny Valentine; All Blues.

Personnel: Len Bryant: vocals, drums; Bill O�Connell: piano; Charles Fambrough: bass; Ralph Bowen: tenor saxophone; Omar Hill: percussion.

Record Label: Self Produced
Style: Vocal