Betty Bryant: No Regrets

Bryant's CD opens with Tomas Gargano pumping his upright bass and Kenny Elliott setting the percussive rhythm, as her voice floats melodically atop on "Let Me Love You." The second time around, she adds her fluid piano accompaniment. The arrangement is clean, ear-catching and builds dramatically, leaving room for Robert Kyle to add a tasty saxophone solo. Bryant has been greatly influenced by her friend and mentor, Jay McShann and the late Gerald Wiggins. In parts, she also appears to have been inspired by Erroll Garner.

Bryant's laidback, bluesy piano style compliments her voice in the most sensitive way, as on "Easy Street" and the title tune. Much like Shirley Horn, Bryant knows how to leave space in her arrangements; using inflection and tonality, she delivers each song with sincere emotion. She is a master of "selling the lyrics." Eighty years young may have minimally affected the vocal prowess of youth, but it has added creative sagacity to the musical mix, exemplified in her inspired phrasing. On "Autumn Leaves" she exhibits classical piano training, both solo and effective. She even adds a taste of Bach and a bit of Sergei Rachmaninoff to sweeten the improvisational flavor.

Bryant proves she can swing on "It's A Wonderful World" and "I thought About You," using sexy little growls and seductive whispers on the latter. The light instrumental "B's Breeze," co-written by Bryant and Kyle, lends itself to an unobtrusive smooth jazz groove Like a soft wind, and features Kyle on flute, while Neal Hefti's popular "Lil' Darlin," promptly returns to Bryant's comfortable bluesy feel. "Night Sounds" is another Bryant original. Well-written, melodic and lyrically compact, it demonstrates one of her musical strongholds: her songwriting ability. Listening to Betty Bryant is an invitation to a seat around the piano bar, and an immersion in both her artistry and the perfectly enunciated lyrics of each song.