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 09/2007

    McCOY TYNER
    Quartet

  • reviewed 04/2006

    Joris Teepe's Gronigan Art Ensemble
    Jazz In Jazz Out

  • reviewed 12/2008

    MARY RADEMACHER & RICK REUTHER
    Two of a Kind

  • reviewed 01/2012

    DENNIS ROLLINS VELOCITY TRIO
    The 11th Gate

  • reviewed 11/2008

    Lois Deloatch
    Hymn to Freedom: A Tribute to Oscar Peterson

  • reviewed 11/2009

    JOEY DeFRANCESCO
    SNAP SHOT

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.