The art of the accompanist is a skill as important as that of the star in the spotlight each is dependent on the other, the accompanist being, in effect, the tightrope walker's safety net.
During the course of his 91 years Ronnell Bright, who died on August 12, frequently was that safety net for singers such as Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan, Anita O'Day, Lena Horne and Nancy Wilson to name but a few as well as recording with Shirley Scott, Coleman Hawkins, Harry Edison and the above singers.
With his own trio he recorded three albums and, in the 1970s, recorded with the legendary group, Supersax.
Marc Myers of the jazz blog Jazz Wax featured a five part interview with the piianist that gave a deep insight into Bright both as a musician and a person. Link.
Farewell to a legend - Lance
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