Ronnell Bright
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Ronnell Bright (b. Jul. 3, 1930) is an American jazz pianist born in Chicago.
Bright played piano from a very young age, and won a piano competition when he was nine years old. In 1944, he played with the Chicago Youth Piano Symphony Orchestra. He studied at Juilliard, graduating early in the 1950s. Moving back to Chicago, he played with Johnny Tate and accompanied Carmen McRae before relocating to New York City in 1955. There he played with Rolf Kuhn and put together his own trio in 1957. In 1957-58 he was with Dizzy Gillespie, and acted as an accompanist for Sarah Vaughan, Lena Horne, and Gloria Lynne over the next few years. His compositions were recorded by Vaughan as well as by Cal Tjader, Horace Silver, and Blue Mitchell. In 1964, he became Nancy Wilson's arranger and pianist after moving to Los Angeles. Later in the decade he found work as a studio musician, playing in Supersax from 1972 to 1974.
[edit] Selected discography
- As Leader
- The Ronnell Bright Trio (Polydor/Fresh Sound Records, 1958)
- Bright' s Spot (Savoy, reissue Denon)
- Bright Flight
- After Hours Jazz
- As Sideman
- Coleman Hawkins: The Hawk Relaxes (Prestige/OJC, 1961)
- Anita O'Day: I Got A Kick Out Of You (Evidence, 1975)
- Shirley Scott: Workin´ (Prestige, 1958-61)
- Sarah Vaughan: Misty (Emarcy, 1958);
- Sarah Vaughan with the Jimmy Jones Orchestra: Dreamy (Roulette, Fresh Souind Rec., 1960)
- Frank Wess: Trombones And Flute (Savoy, 1956)
