Contributed by bluebird, who writes:-
Marie Bryant, USA born, was probably best known as a dancer in black revues rather than a singer but she can be seen and heard in the 1944 film clip of 'Jammin' The Blues' which features Lester Young amongst others.
She was in London in 1952, where she was appearing in the musical revue 'High Spirits' at the London Hippodrome, when these recordings were made.
The first three tracks were made for the small Lyragon label which specialised in recording calypsos and highlife music which was being introduced by the newly arrived black West Indian and African immigrants to the UK. They are taken from 78 rpm records and there is inevitably some background noise and crackle. Not really jazz, but some of the backing musicians had a later career in jazz.
The other four tracks were recorded with a regular jazz group and Marie sings these with a real jazz feel. There's some lovely trumpet from Humphrey Lyttelton too.
And just to show what she looked like during her dancing days, take a look at the 'cover' picture, unless Mr. BritJazz censors it. It is shown purely in the interest of jazz history of course.
FLAC from YouTube (Lyragon sides - thanks to original uploader) and cd re-issue with track details, label pictures and that 'cover' picture. Remember, it's for research purposes only. BritJazz doesn't do titivation.
(01-03)
Bertie King - alto
Mike McKenzie - piano
Unknown - guitar
Neville Boucarut - bass
Leslie Weeks - bongo
Marie Bryant - vocal
(04-07)
Humphrey Lyttelton - trumpet
Mike McKenzie - piano
Denny Wright - guitar
Jack Fallon - bass
Marie Bryant - vocal
01 Tomato (2:58)
02 Rhumboogie Anna (2:42)
03 My Handy Man (Razaf, Blake) (2:41)
04 Ain't Misbehavin' (Brooks, Razaf, Waller) (3:04)
05 Beale Street Blues (Handy) (3:09)
06 Georgia On My Mind (Carmichael, Gorrell) (3:03)
07 Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (Barris, Koehler, Moll) (2:39)
Label: Compilation
Recorded:
September 03 1952 (01-03)
October 02 1952 (04-05)
October 24 1952 (06-07)
Lineage: CD and YouTube?>FLAC
Sunday, June 02, 2013
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300th!!
ReplyDeleteMany, many thanks BritJazz.
Interesting post, and interesting cover (shades of Harrison Marks!)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteMarie Bryant! Not only interesting but exciting.
ReplyDeleteThank you VERY much, bluebird and BritJazz.
Thanks bluebird
ReplyDeleteProfound thanks bluebird. 'My Handy Man' has a trumpeter, not Bertie King. Who could that be ? ps let's save Britjazz !
ReplyDeleteThank you for the splendid rarity - now I shall find more of this gal!
ReplyDeleteI noticed the pw is lobo in reverse, like a wolf? heh
ReplyDeleteDidn't notice that. Also a sixth part of a Greek drachma!
DeleteMarie Bryant was also well known for some of the more RISQUE songs, one particular rendition of the calypso "Lovely water Melons" was much appreciated by my army friends.
ReplyDeleteShe's fascinating in "Jammin' the blues" ! Any chance for a re-up ?
ReplyDeleteWe are re-upping all posts, Bhowani, and should complete the exercise in the next few days at the latest. Most are done now but we still have about a hundred to go.
Deletehttps://cjoint.net/?665oubfozv
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