Rusty Bryant, a veteran R&B sax player, was somewhat forgotten at the time of his debut Prestige album, but due to the commercial success of this recording, Bryant would record seven more sessions for Prestige during the next five years. Actually, this date is a bit surprising, with Bryant sticking exclusively to alto and sometimes using an electrified model similar to what Lou Donaldson was playing at the time. The music (mostlyblues-oriented originals) is enjoyable, with plenty of boogaloos and soulful vamps. In addition to Bryant, the main soloists are guitarist Grant Green, in excellent form, and organist Sonny Phillips. - by Scott Yanow, AMG
For Rusty Bryant's first Prestige session, it was decided to utilize his alto and Multi-Vider. Among his sidemen is one man that is a standout--the formidable Grant Green. This was actually Grant's first recording session in close to two years but, as you can hear, his playing is as crisp and strong as always. Dig him bringin' it back home on "All Day Long." Roosevelt "Sonny" Phillips is, like Green, a Brooklyn resident. But unlike Grant, who came a long way from St. Louis he hails from Chicago and has spent some time in Boston. Sonny has worked with Lou Rawls and recorded with Eddie Harris and in this LP makes his first appearance on Prestige. Bob Bushnell and Herbie Lovelle are an experienced rhythm team. Herbie was last heard on Prestige, with Rusty, on That Healin' Feelin' with Richard "Groove" Holmes while Bob lends his presence on This Is Billy Butler! (Prestige 7622). The music here is simple and straightforward. The opener is a dedication by Rusty to the club where he currently appears in Columbus. Rusty is on Multi-Vider here. Jimmy Smith recorded "The Cat" but this piece features the organizing of Sonny Phillips. Grant Green and Rusty, with electronics, have some heavy things to say. "Ready Rusty?" is a burner with solos by the leader and Grant Green. No doubt about it Rusty was ready for this. Side B opens with another Rusty opus--"Streak O'Lean." It is a minor thing somewhat reminiscent of "Comin' Home Baby." The title refers to a routine Rusty does in his nightclub shows in which he declares that "Fatback is a thing of the past". I don't know about that but Rusty's heavy cooking makes one believe that he is definitely of today."Night Flight" is the Bryant answer to "Night Train." It is another burner and Sonny Phillips has some good soul-burnin' moments. "All Day Long" is Kenny Burrell's tune and the album of his featuring the original treatment is available under that title on Prestige 7277. Here Grant Green leads the troops through the groovy blues changes. Thus we come to the close of the first Rusty Bryant LP on Prestige. It is an example of musical truth giving the lie to the feeling that "old soldiers fade away". Some perhaps but not all of the "mighty warriors" have faded from the scene and Rusty Bryant is living proof that in a different setting and the help of a new sound, the "mighty warrior" of yesterday can become the stimulating jazzman of today. - by Bob Porter, from the liner notes
Artist: Rusty Bryant
Album: Rusty Bryant Returns
Year: 1969 (Prestige)
Label: OJC (1995)
Runtime: 43:46
Tracks:
1. Zoo Boogaloo (Rusty Bryant) 7:24
2. The Cat (Lalo Schifrin) 7:54
3. Ready Rusty? (Rusty Bryant) 4:49
4. Streak O'Lean (Rusty Bryant) 5:59
5. Night Flight (Rusty Bryant) 7:56
6. All Day Long (Kenny Burrell) 9:41
Personnel:
Rusty Bryant (Alto Saxophone)
Sonny Phillips (Organ)
Grant Green (Guitar)
Bob Bushnell (Fender Bass)
Herbie Lovelle (Drums)