LENNY MARCUS TRIO

Sun Ray - A Tribute to Ray Bryant

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 Ruth

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Jazz

  • reviewed 12/1969

    The Aperturistic Trio
    Truth and Actuality

  • reviewed 07/2004

    Katie Melua
    Call Off the Search

  • reviewed 08/2012

    SHUFFLE DEMONS
    ClusterFunk

  • reviewed 10/2009

    PONCHO SANCHEZ
    PSYCHEDELIC BLUES

  • reviewed 08/2010

    ROBERTO FONSECA
    Akokan

  • reviewed 08/2009

    POSITIVE CATASTROPHE
    Garabatos Volume One

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.