Tommy Bryant

In jazz, the advice to "go for the brothers" when putting together a rhythm section does not always have racial connotations. Tommy Bryant was one of the great bassists in this genre, more reliable than a certain large clock in London, his tone present in an equally towering manner. His brother, pianist Ray Bryant, is the family's real Big Ben in terms of fame, but there is also Len Bryant, both a singer and drummer. All the brothers Bryant learned much from their choir director mother. There was also a singing, piano-playing sister in the Bryant brood who did not pursue a pro...