Precious Bryant's Piedmont Blues Mastery

Here is another older review (with a few stylistic changes that originally appeared in the DC Blues Calendar, then the DC Blues Society’s newsletter back in its November 2005 issue. Its among the many wonder releases associated with the Music Maker Foundation (www.musicmaker.org).

Born in a family of traditional musicians, Georgia’s Precious Bryant started playing guitar when she was very young. She has developed into a splendid performer in the Piedmont tradition. A couple years ago, Terminus Records issued the absolutely wonderful Fool Me Good. The Music Maker Relief Foundation has championed her and her music and has released another absolutely magical recording, My Name is Precious (Music Maker).

This was recorded between 1995 and 1999 in Georgia and New York, with accompaniment on some tracks by Tony Bryant (her son?) on bass, Cootie Stark on vocals and Tim Duffy on guitar). The 26 selections range from very enjoyable covers to Bryant’s own buoyant originals. There are lively covers of songs associated with Muddy Waters, Guitar Slim, Fats Domino, Joe Turner, Denise LaSalle and Jimmy Reed. Bryant’s originals include the lively Hey Baby as well as the sparkling instrumental, Georgia Buck.

There is not a bad track on this disc although Music Maker certainly could have done a bit more about getting composer credits correct as opposed to Traditional arranged by P. Bryant found on several tracks. To reiterate, the music here is wonderful and if you cannot locate this in stores, check the Music Maker Foundation website, www.musicmaker.org.