Burnin'

by Ken Dryden Best-known for his recordings as a sideman with Curtis Amy and Johnny Griffin, organist Paul Bryant's recording career was rather brief since he only appeared on a dozen or so albums between 1960-1964. This Pacific Jazz LP marked his debut as a leader, and his soul-jazz approach is similar to other keyboardists of the period without being particularly distinctive. His originals stick to pretty much formulaic, easygoing blues, with the best track being the brisk, gospel-influenced "Churchin'." His interpretations of standards like "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and the more obscure "Love Nest" fare a little better. The primary reason many jazz fans might be interested in tracking down this obscure, long-unavailable LP is the opportunity to hear guitarist Jim Hall in a relatively rare soul-jazz setting.