2012-05-09
For Lenny Marcus’ twentieth album, he has decided to go back to his roots to make this loving tribute to his mentor, Ray Bryant. (Also known as Sun Ray, Ray Bryant passed away in June 2011.) Besides being Lenny Marcus’ teacher, Sun Ray was his father’s best friend and obviously a large influence on young Mr. Marcus in his formative years. The music itself is a mix of Lenny Marcus originals and covers of Sun Ray songs. It has a traditional jazz sound to it with occasional hints of blues (“After Hours”), bop (“Downside Up”, “Threesome”), and a ballad or two (“Until It’s Time For You To Go”, “Little Susie”). A stand-out track is “Stick With It” simply because of its string section. It’s the only track on the entire disc with one. Throughout the album, the piano-playing often reminded me of Vince Guaraldi, especially on the tribute track “Sun Ray”. All in all Sun Ray is a well-executed and sentimental homage. Rebecca RuthThe New Orleans Social Club
Sing Me Back Home
Bob Merrill and Roswell Rudd
Cheerin' Up The Universe
STRING PLANET
Songs From the Home Planet
LARRY GOLDINGS
In My Room
CATHERINE RUSSELL
STRICTLY ROMANCIN'
BOBBY WATSON AND THE LIVE AND LEARN BAND
Fronm The Heart
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