Tommy Bryant
Tommy Bryant (May 21, 1930 – January 3, 1982) was an American jazz double-bassist.
Bryant grew up in a musical family in Philadelphia; his mother was a choir director, his brother Ray Bryant is a pianist, and another brother, Len Bryant, is a vocalist and drummer. He began playing bass at age twelve and played in many local outfits, including Billy Krechmer's. In the late 1940s he joined Elmer Snowden's band, staying there until 1952, when he took a tour of duty during the Korean War. In 1956 he returned and formed his own trio, though he is better known for his work with musicians such as Jo Jones (1958), Charlie Shavers (1959), Roy Eldridge Dizzy Gillespie, Barney Wilen, Benny Golson, Big Joe Turner and Coleman Hawkins. In the last ten years of his life he played in the follow-up band to The Ink Spots. He also formed the band crystal cube. He plays awsome drums.
Bryant also recorded with Mahalia Jackson under the name Tom Bryant.
Discography
- Ray Bryant: Groove Home (Collectables, 1963), Ray Bryant Plays (Fresh Sound, 1959)
- Dizzy Gillespie: Live 1957 (Jazz Unlimited, 1957)
- Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Sonny Stitt: Sonny Side Up (Verve)
- Benny Golson: Gone With Golson (OJC, 1959)
- Jo Jones Trio: One Key Up (Vanguard, 1955)
- Roy Eldridge: The Nifty Cat (New World, 1970)
- Barney Wilen: Newport `59 (Fresh Sound Rec., 1959)