Bart Bryant
Backstage II
Horizon Music Group
Publicity: Blind Raccoon
By Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro © May 2024
Somehow, this twenty-five year veteran, who has worked with some highly recognizable names from many genres, has slipped through the cracks at the House of Blewzz. That said, I am now happy to have finally discovered Bart Bryant. Bart’s latest release is titled Backstage II, and mixed in with eight covers are four of Bart’s well written originals.
On the project, Bart – on guitar and vocals – is joined by: Robert Liptrot, Scott Spray and Dave Anderson on bass; Alex Giosa, Tyger MacNeal, Ernie Durawa, Bobby Torello and Liviu Pop on drums; Bill Holloman on piano, organ and horns; Floyd Domino on piano; Tony Cafiero on synthesizer; Jordan Giangreco on organ; Kenneth Mellilo on harmonica, and Simone Young-Brown on vocals.
Bart and the band light it up on their rendition of “If You Love Me Like You Say”, a song by sixties and seventies soulman Little Johnny Taylor that was a much bigger hit for Albert Collins. As with pretty much every version I’ve ever heard, the song is a smokin’, funk filled, dance floor filler. With Scott (bass) and Alex (drums) all over the rhythm, the track is highlighted by Bill’s fiery organ and horn leads and Bart’s sizzling blues guitar leads and quite soulful vocals. This is how you cover a cover.
Slowing things down a bit… actually, make that a lot… the guys ease into a killer cover of Willie Dixon’s “I Can’t Quit You Baby”. Putting a smile on my face, this one is nearly seven minutes of slow blues bliss. Scott, and this time Tyger on the drums, are perfectly doing what a song like this mandates they do on rhythm; Floyd’s nailing it with the high end, right hand, blues piano melodies; and the boss – while belting the hell out of the blues vocally – is putting on a “I gotta stop typing, turn up the volume and pay very close attention to this” type performance on guitar. Can you say replay?
The forty second intro to Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Empty Arms”, featured such blazing guitar leads, thunderous rhythm, and pounding of piano keys, that it had me thinking it was going to be an all-out, jam mode, instrumental version. Then, Bart jumped in with his gritty vocals, and the song became an an all-out musical jam with powerhouse vocals. This one is a Smoker with a capital S.
The first of Bart’s originals is another slow blues burner. It’s highlighted by a powerfully emotional vocal presentation in which Bart is clearly not yet “Past The Pain” of a scornful break up. Additionally, on his only appearance, Kenneth does one heck of a job blowing hot, high end blues harmonica leads Throughout the track.
“You Make Me Move” is another excellent original. With yet another combination of players, the deep rhythm on this one is coming from Tony on synthesizer, Scott on bass and bobby on drums. Guitar wise, there’s a lot more note pickin’ than runs and they all sound dynamite.
Another of Bart’s originals is an absolutely beautifully written and performed ballad titled “Out Of This Blue”. Straight off the top, the disc’s producer – Vic Steffens – needs to be praised for his work on this one. The way the rhythm – with Scott on bass, Alex on drums, Floyd on piano, and Bill on organ – crescendos from a soothing groove to a powerful peak – then brought back down by a heavenly flute highlight from Bill – is nothing short of masterful. Then there’s Bart! Although it’s been present on many of the other tracks, the vocal range he showcases on this one is absolutely awe-inspiring. Take a bow everyone, because I’m giving you all a large applause.
Other tracks on this killer release include: “Day Of The Eagle”, a full tilt rocker by Robin Trower; “Mess Of Blues”, a shuffle by Doc Pomus & Mort Shuman; “Motown Groove”, another of Bart’s originals; and three classics by several legends – “I’m Ready” (Willie Dixon); Born Under A Band Sign” (King/Bell/Jones); and “Whiskey, Beer, and Wine (Buddy Guy & Tom Hambridge). Regardless of your preference of blues styles, Backstage II will satisfy it.
Should you like to find out more about Bart Bryant, just go to – www.bartbryant.com. Remember, wherever you go and whomever you speak with, please tell them their friend the Blewzzman sent you
“The Blues Is My Passion And Therapy”
Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro
Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com
2011 “Keeping The Blues Alive” Award Recipient
