Sunday, June 5, 2011

Ray Bryant - Slow Freight [RIP Ray]



Ray Bryant - Slow Freight - Cadet LP 781 - Cadet Original Pressing, Stereo, Blue Label

Ray Bryant - Piano
Richard Davis - Bass
Freddie Waits - Drums
Art Farmer - Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Snookie Young - Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Paul Serrano - Narration on 'Slow Freight'

Recorded - December 1966, RCA Studios, New York City [major discographies identify December 8, 1966 as the specific date]

Album Production & Supervision - Esmond Edwards
Recording Engineer - Ray Hall
Cover Photo & Design - Esmond Edwards

Released - March 4, 1967

This posting is unfortunately very timely with the recent news breaking of Ray Bryant's passing. In tribute to Ray, here's one of his greatest and lost Cadet sides - Slow Freight! Ray was one of the most talented Soul Jazz pianist out there, but unfortunately his recorded legacy/discography was quite spotty. However, his lengthiest and most documented period on record was luckily with Cadet from 1966-69, which was initially under the supervision of this blog's main man, Chess Jazz A&R man Esmond Edwards.

This side is built around the ultimate soul jazz groover title track, 'Slow Freight' with hip narration provided by Paul Serrano - it just burns ! There's also some great players here as well supporting Ray - Richard Davis, Freddie Waits and the dueling flugelhorns of Art Farmer & Snookie Young - what a lineup. ...With production by Edwards, this is truly a later period Argo/Cadet gem. Great fidelity off the original Cadet stereo vinyl.

Get it
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10 comments:

  1. BillJune 5, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    Sounds like a goodie!! Thanks for the share!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ian GJune 5, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    Yes, sadly, he has just passed. Just checked the latest obits, becoming an all too familiar custom lately. Not too familiar with Mr Bryant's work but thanks to dedicated souls such as yourself, soon will be.

    ReplyDelete
  3. rmJune 6, 2011 at 5:35 AM

    very sad news.
    thank you very much for this post

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJune 6, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    Thanks a lot, I was searching for it for a long time.
    Christophe

    ReplyDelete
  5. PhiloJune 6, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    Rare & wonderful music. Sounds great. Thanks.

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  6. AnonymousJune 7, 2011 at 4:02 PM

    OMG your blog is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  7. AndyJune 11, 2011 at 5:18 AM

    Fantastic music,he will be missed.Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousJune 13, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    nice lp! thanks

    ReplyDelete
  9. PatsoulJune 17, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    My favorite instrumental version of "prodigal son", "If you go away" is also very good. Many thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  10. taro nombeiJune 19, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    Gem's the right word. That title track is a classic.
    Much appreciated indeed!

    ReplyDelete

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