What makes Take a Bryant Step by Ray Bryant notable?

This album is notable for its innovative approach to popular music standards, showcasing Bryant's ability to reinterpret well-known songs through a jazz lens. It received critical acclaim for its fresh arrangements and compelling performances, adding to the discourse on how jazz can intersect with pop culture during the late 1960s. Released in 1967, 'Take a Bryant Step' was Ray Bryant's follow-up to his previous album 'Ray Bryant Plays'. At this point in his career, he was establishing his unique voice as a jazz pianist, experimenting with popular songs while still maintaining the improvisational spirit of jazz. This album reflects a key moment in Bryant’s evolution as he sought to bridge mainstream appeal with intricate musicianship.

Who is Take a Bryant Step for?

Take a Bryant Step works well if you're into consistent mid-tempo groove, soulful interpretations of classics and vibrant background for gatherings.

How many songs are on Take a Bryant Step?

Take a Bryant Step has 12 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Take a Bryant Step

Ray Bryant · 1967

33 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz and pop, infused with soulful melodies and rhythmic improvisation that transcends genre boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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To Sir With Love — Bryant transforms this classic theme into an upbeat jazz composition, highlighting his skill in blending rich harmonies with lively rhythms.
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Natural Woman — This track showcases Bryant's ability to infuse emotional depth into a familiar melody, elevating it through expressive piano lines and subtle improvisation.
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Paint It Black — Bryant's rendition reinterprets the dark themes of the original into a dynamic jazz arrangement, illustrating his unique take on popular rock music.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

consistent mid-tempo groove
soulful interpretations of classics
vibrant background for gatherings
easily digestible track lengths
steady flow for relaxed listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking intense musical experimentation
prefer standalone, high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1967, 'Take a Bryant Step' was Ray Bryant's follow-up to his previous album 'Ray Bryant Plays'. At this point in his career, he was establishing his unique voice as a jazz pianist, experimenting with popular songs while still maintaining the improvisational spirit of jazz. This album reflects a key moment in Bryant’s evolution as he sought to bridge mainstream appeal with intricate musicianship.
Stylistic neighbors: McCoy Tyner· Cecil Taylor· Horace Silver

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 To Sir With Love 3:05
2 Ramblin 3:10
3 Natural Woman 2:35
4 Ode to Billy Joe 3:13
5 Up-Up and Away 3:18
6 Paint It Black 3:17
7 Pata Pata 3:07
8 Poochie 3:07
9 Yesterday 2:40
10 Paper Cup 2:55
11 Doing My Thing 2:40
12 Dinner on the Grounds

What to play next

Listen next

Up Above the Rock

1968

Go back to

Slow Freight

1967

Full Ray Bryant discography Artists like Ray Bryant

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata