Ronnell Bright: Complete Recordings 1956 - 1958 on 2 CDs

Featuring: Ronnell Bright (p) accompanied by: Wilbur Wynne, Kenny Burrell (g), Leonard Gaskin, Joe Benjamin, Richard Davis (b), Willard Nelson, Bill Clark, Art Morgan (d)

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 collects for the first time all of Ronnell Bright's 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. (freshsoundrecords. com)