I've long heard and dismissed such platitudes as "Age is just a number" and "You're only as old as you feel," but these seem to be true of jazz vocalist and pianist Betty Bryant, who, in her mid-nineties, has the presence and pizzazz of someone much younger, or of someone for whom age just doesn't matter. It is always a treat to see her perform. She has a somewhat regular gig at the Sunday Night Jazz Salon, in the Invention room at the Los Angeles Athletics Club. Last night Betty, supported by an excellent band, delivered two wonderful sets of music. The band was made up of Rob Kyle on saxophone and flute, Dave Ross on standup bass, and Judd Pillot on drums.
At 6 p.m., Betty took her spot at the piano, wearing a black sparkling top. Her cane also sparkled. But what sparkled the most was Betty herself. Dave Ross gave a brief introduction, mentioning how important music has become in these days of challenges. That is something I've certainly noticed myself. He urged folks to "
listen to great jazz and forget all your troubles," at least for a little while. And right from the band's first number, Betty Bryant was delivering some great stuff on keys, her first lead of the night getting deserved applause from the crowd (as would every lead she delivered throughout the show). Rob also delivered a delicious lead on saxophone, and there was a seriously cool section featuring bass and drums. Then on "Just Squeeze Me," Betty added some wonderful vocal comments and reactions. That song also featured some sweet stuff on sax. "
Please say you love me too," Betty sang, and it was clear that everyone in the room loved her.
"
I remember you/You're the one who made my dreams come true," Betty sang in "I Remember You." And yes, that's what life is all about. Love and music, what else is there that you're going to remember at the end? Or at least, what else is there worth mentioning? The band then delivered a very cool rendition of "Summertime," which was kind of hopping, featuring some great stuff on drums. Seriously, I was digging that rhythm. "Autumn Leaves" began with a gorgeous piano solo, and later in the song, Dave used a bow on his bass, delivering some beautiful work. Betty then got the crowd singing the title line of "Exactly Like You," and when everyone got into the spirit of the song, she seemed pleased. But of course it was a joy to be part of the evening's magic. The first set ended with a fun rendition of "He May Be Your Man (But He Comes To See Me Sometimes)," with Betty delivering a nice long lead on piano.
Before the second set, Dave talked about how he still gets scared before each gig, because there are no rehearsals. He said each show is a bit of a magic act. Indeed! And the magic was certainly working its stuff last night. Betty opened the second set with "I Got Rhythm." I've said it before, but you can never go wrong with Gershwin. And the group delivered a really good rendition. "
Thank you again, Mr. Gershwin," Betty said after that song. She followed that with "I Can't See For Looking," and then sang happy birthday to someone in the audience who was celebrating her birthday with some excellent music. I know I've said this before, but Los Angeles is a fantastic city for music. If you live here, I highly recommend checking out Betty Bryant when you have a chance (she is playing that same club on November 2nd). The second set also included "Stormy Monday," which featured a fantastic saxophone lead, and "A Lot Of Livin' To Do," which Betty included on her 2024 album
Lotta Livin'. "
There's such a lot of livin' to do," she sang, and we all felt the truth of that. She wrapped up the evening with "It's Hard To Say Goodbye," an original number that is also referred to as "The Goodbye Song." It is a delightful number, and it was included on Betty's her 2019 album
Project 88. The show ended at 8:30 p.m.
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