Salt
I once defined myself merely as a jazz musician. I’m thankful to have that great tradition (with all its discipline) as a big part of my musical being. Despite that self-imposed definition, I have also enjoyed singing and playing in church for most of my life (and still), playing and writing for hard bop groups and big bands, singing the blues with a swing band, performing with ‘70s funk bands, writing and playing for various artists on tours and recording sessions and even playing chamber jazz with a string quartet. It often seemed that I would put on a different "hat" every time I changed gears for this variety of experiences. The Holy Spirit, along with my wife, however, helped me come to the same realization that jazz pioneer John Coltrane came to; that I am one person and should be that one person all the time, whether in church, on a concert stage, in a music club, doing this project or that, or just kicking back with the family. I have a broader perspective now, defining myself as a child of God, husband, father and musician. It’s not just the musical experiences that make a musician but the musician’s humanity. And for me that comes from loving and being loved, forgiving and being forgiven, struggling and overcoming. I realize I bring that humanity to whatever music I am expressing. I believe every experience seasons the person and each person ads flavor to the world in their own way; "You are the salt of the earth." (Mat. 5:13) It is a blessing to be able to draw from my life experience to express whatever the Spirit is giving me at any given time. That is after all, the beauty of jazz.
Faith, Family and Music
I sincerely hope you enjoy my latest release, "As For Me and My House." On this project I continue to establish that unity within myself as a musician and family man. This release is a result of a life of musical influences, life experiences, family connections and a spiritual service of worship. It is also the debut of my wife (Brigette) and me as a song writing team. Brigette is featured on lead and background vocals while my young daughter Caylen sings background vocals on a few tracks. My son Jordan even chimes in on the chorus of "As For Me and My House". The last track, "Rapture" was written by my late big brother James, (April 13, 1956 to December 2, 1988) a great musician with whom I’d never recorded and only played with once before his untimely death. God has truly blessed me with a family who can share my life with me in and out of music. I find that they make me a better man and musician. Faith, family and music, what more is there? :-) Glory to God!
Lance Bryant
"... as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
