Jeanie Bryson Albums (4)
What The Critics Say
Jeanie Bryson gently cradles you with her velvet voice on Deja Blue, her debut release for Koch Jazz. Bryson reaches a comparable level of achievement and accomplishment with respect to her last release, Some Cats Know: Jeanie Bryson Sings the Songs of Peggy Lee, on Deja Blue as a result of her accompanists which include Christian McBride on acoustic and electric bass, Steve Nelson on vibes, Ted Brancato on piano and Fender Rhodes, and Gerry Niewood on flute and alto flute. Special guest Etta Jones duets with Jeanie Bryson on "It's So Nice to Have a Man Around the House" with their contrasting vocals providing a complete contrast. Bryson is sweet, laid-back, and melodic while Jones has a magnetism that draws comparisons to Dakota Staton and Dinah Washington. "Deja Blue" is a sultry ballad with an excellent solo by Steve Nelson on vibes. Bryson has that unforgettable vocal quality that sustains the innuendo inherent in a blues about yearning and love-gone-wrong. Her rendition of "Poetry Man" gives this pop standard a new charm, with twice the seduction of the original version. Once again Jeanie Bryson shows her musical genius and delivers a solid program from beginning to end. ~ Paula Edelstein, All Music Guide
'Some Cats Know: Jeanie Bryson Sings Songs of Peggy Lee'
Release Date 4/23/1996
Tracks 14
Label Telarc
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What The Critics Say
This is a very logical tribute. Jeanie Bryson has a small but coolly sensual voice, just as Peggy Lee did during her prime. Bryson performs three songs on which Lee wrote the lyrics (including "I Don't Know Enough About You" and "I'm Gonna Go Fishin'"), ten other songs that have been associated with Lee (such as "Some Cats Know," "Why Don't You Do Right" and the inevitable "Fever"), and a number ("Where in the World Are You") penned by Jeanie's mother Connie Bryson. The singer is supported by an intriguing group that includes a four-piece rhythm section with guitarist John Chiodini and pianist Terry Trotter, tenor saxophonist Red Holloway, Paquito D'Rivera (sticking to clarinet), and trumpeter Ronnie Buttacavoli. This is one of Jeanie Bryson's best efforts and should please both her fans and those of Peggy Lee. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'I Love Being Here With You'
Release Date 4/16/1995
Tracks 11
Label Delta
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What The Critics Say
Jeanie Bryson, Dizzy Gillespie's daughter, made her recording debut on this CD. Her voice is highly appealing and often sensuous, hinting at Peggy Lee and Susannah McCorkle. A fine middle-of-the-road song stylist (rather than a jazz singer), Bryson does an excellent job on a set dominated by standards. She mostly concentrates on melody statements with subtle improvising and is at her best on ballads. Steve Nelson's vibes fit in well during his appearances and trumpeter Wallace Roney (as usual sounding like Miles Davis) also takes some good solos. This is a promising beginning for Jeanie Bryson. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Tonight I Need You So'
Release Date 5/24/1994
Tracks 12
Label Telarc
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What The Critics Say
Bryson's soft warm voice at times recalls Maxine Sullivan and on "Solamente Tu" she comes very close to the fragility of Astrud Gilberto. There are a few memorable selections on her second Telarc disc, most notably the exuberant "Simple Song" (which has some jubilant playing from altoist Paquito D'Rivera), a sensuous "Honeysuckle Rose" and a fine version of "Skydive." Unfortunately the set also has an excess of forgettable poppish material that weighs down the content somewhat. However Bryson mostly overcomes the material and her likable and easygoing style compensates. This release is not essential but is enjoyable. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
