Ray Bryant: Alone at Montreux

Bryant has always been one of those “I’d rather do it by myself” cats and his solo recordings are among the highlights of his career. This 1972 Montreux Festival performance is full of his swaggering, two-fisted playing. Included are his own “Cubano Chant” and “Little Susie,” as well as the usual assortment of blues: “After Hours,” “Blues #3” (which segues nicely into “Willow Weep for Me”), his own rumbling “Slow Freight,” and Hoagy Carmichael’s “Rockin’ Chair” (one of Satchmo’s favorites). Bryant encored with a rousing “Liebestraum Boogie” to conclude a set that obviously thrilled the crowd.

Originally Published November 1, 1999