Steve Bryant: New Town

Near the end of James Baldwin's short story, "Sonny's Blues," the narrator watches Sonny perform in a jazz club, where he describes the crowd as gathering around the piano while Sonny's fingers filled the air with life, his life. But that life contained so many others. In many ways, this description captures the essence of musicianship. Players bring their creations to life, but each of these carries its own history and influences. This is certainly evident in Red 123's album New Town.

Born of basement sessions during the pandemic and forged through years of lived experience, New Townis a deeply personal and quietly powerful statement from guitarist-composer Steve Bryant. Under the moniker Red 123, Bryant crafts an emotionally resonant sonic tapestry, forged in a world of jazz, rock and ambient textures. There is an undeniable spirit at work here, and Bryant writes with a player's ear and a storyteller's heart. The result is an excellent blend of groove, melody and introspection.

Bryant's background adds another layer of depth to the music. A former Navy Band guitarist, he blends structure and freedom in a way that feels effortless. His years as an educator and sideman show in his attention to ensemble interplay: every solo feels earned, and no part overstays its welcome. Yet beneath the technique, his playing comes across with plenty of soul.

This adds an unmistakable honesty to the music. It is a refreshing blend of styles, aimed more at expression than flash. These players refrain from shredding to show a deeper level of musical understanding that invites the listener into a space that feels both intimate and expansive.

This is evidenced from the title track, "New Town," which was featured on All About Jazz's "Song of the Day." Serving as a kind of mission statement, it is forward-looking but rooted in history and influences. Its clean, melodic lines, built alongside subtle grooves and luminous textures, are reminiscent of Pat Metheny's work on ECM. Elsewhere, tracks like "Tom's Blues" or "Shuffle 96" add hints of Wes Montgomery and John Scofield to the mix, bringing in a strong groove component to the music.

One of the standout tracks on the album is the closing tune, Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman." Bryant's take on this song brings together the different elements of the album very effectively, and Rob Paparozzi 's harmonica playing alongside Bryant's guitar creates a haunting effect to this classic track.

New Town is filled with the kind of soul that only comes from experience. As Bryant mentions, "The music has been influenced by too many artists and enduring friendships to mention. Most of all, it has been healing for me." This sense of healing is embedded throughout the music: in the spacious arrangements, the warm tones and the sense of clarity that permeates the record.

This is more than simply an album for guitarists or jazz aficionados. New Town offers a refreshing musical approach that invites multiple listenings.