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"You don't need me to tell you that Lance is an extraordinary artist. That will be wholly evident once you hear this CD. His lyric writing is clever and insightful. His tenor playing, arranging, and vocal ability speak for themselves."
James McBride, Author
The Color of Water & Miracle at St. Anna Psalm represents the creative convergence of all my musical influences from bebop to neo-soul, from the blues to musica brasilero, from gospel to funk and classic soul. Here is a list of the songs and what inspired me to include each on my debut project. 1. Psalm (L. Bryant) Caylance Publishing (BMI) The harmonic progression was actually inspired by a song in a Disney animated feature. (Can you guess which one? Take your guess to the Message Board.) As I played it over and over, the mysterious yet comforting sound inspired thoughts of the Creator and what He means to me. 2. Almighty Blues (L. Bryant) Caylance Publishing (BMI) While working on the yard one day, it occurred to me that elements of the blues are so much a part of the music we listen to today. The blues also represents the pain, struggle and tenacity of a people whose contributions to building this nation are still largely ignored. 3. Funny Face (N. Haidu, L. Bryant) Udiah Music/Jordance Music (ASCAP) For me, this became a haunting melody that just wouldn't leave me alone. Written by Noah Haidu, the melody was orginally recorded with trumpet and saxophone but its luring lyricism cried out to me for a vocal treatment ala Marvin Gaye. I wrote the lyrics you hear. 4. June Bug (L. Bryant) Caylance Publishing (BMI) This song was written after a family reunion trip to Columbus, Mississippi. I was reminded of the summers of my childhood spend down south. The song also ended up having symbolic significance to my life. 5. Never Let Me Go (J. Livingston, R. Evans) Famous Music Corporation My wife, Brigette, and I discovered and fell in love with this standard almost twenty years ago. It is a love song that holds a very special place in our hearts. 6. Every Shut Eye (D. Hampton & M. Greer) Jordance Music (ASCAP) Dawn Hampton is one of those non-famous but nevertheless incredible artists that still has the power to illuminate everyone around her. Like me, she loves the blues. 7. Do the Backstep (L. Bryant) Caylance Publishing (BMI) This is the oldest original on this set, written in the late 1980s. Contrary to popular belief, the song does not refer to a dance but instead to a harmonic progression. However, you may "cut a rug" if you wish. 8. Summer Evening Breeze (L. Bryant) Caylance Publishing (BMI) This is simply a sensual and romantic song. 9. Aunt Hannah's Prayer (L. Bryant) Caylance Publishing (BMI) In our last conversation before her passing, my great grand aunt Hannah kept raving about how great the south is and how much she loves it. I couldn't help thinking how strange and beautiful it is that a black woman who lived for over a century in "rough" Mississippi could proudly recognize what the South had contributed to who she was and could fondly recall her days in her "old southland". She was very proud in her love of her homeland. I was struck by triumphant that was. 10. I Want Jesus to Walk With Me (Traditional) This spiritual brings it all back home to the root. Music for me, started in the church. For this reason, the church will always be in the music. 11. June Bug Reprise (L. Bryant) Caylance Publishing (BMI) I guess I just wanted you all to hear how blessed I am. My children's laughter is probably one of the greatest blessings I know. So enjoy it . . . as my wife and I do. |
| Lance Bryant | Tenor Saxophone, Vocals, Arrangements |
| Marvin Sewell | Guitars |
| Rick Germanson | Piano |
| Daryl Hall | Bass |
| Willard Dyson | Drums |
| Brigette Bryant | Background Vocals |
| On June Bug: | |
| Jordan M. Bryant (at the age of 10) | Vocals |
| Caylen I. Bryant (at the age of 6) | Vocals |
| On Aunt Hannah's Prayer: | |
| Kevin Horton | Piano and Organ |
| Ugonna Okegwo | Bass |
| Damon DueWhite | Drums |
| Executive Producer: Brigette A. Bryant Producer: Lance Bryant Assistant: Jordan Bryant |