Betty Bryant, a native of Kansas City in Missouri, is a revered singer/pianist who has a solid technique on the piano, a light, jazzy touch, and a skillful vocal approach to her music. Betty connects with her material and her audience, whether she’s playing the blues on the song “He May be Your Man (But He Cames To See You Sometime)”, or performing obscure cabaret songs like Mort Lindsey’s “Scratch” or romping through serious pieces of jazz like Bud Powell’s “Parisian Thoroughfare”. Betty was nicknamed “Cool Miss B”, by fellow musicians. Her career began in Kansas City, where Jay McShann mentored her. In 1955, she moved to the west coast and was offered a place at Beverly Hill’s renowned “Ye Little Club.” This was the start of many solo appearances in Los Angeles. She quickly rose in popularity and became a well-known attraction in the small nightclubs scattered throughout the beaches from Santa Monica to Laguna. In 1987, “Betty Bryant Day”, was declared in Kansas City and she was given the keys to the city. In the lobby of Kansas City’s American Jazz Museum, you will find a famous photo of Betty and Jay McShann. Betty has performed in Brazil and the Middle East, and was a regular at the Tableaux Lounge in Tokyo for many years. In 2009, she had a long-term engagement at Susan Feniger’s new Hollywood restaurant “Street”. She was also a featured performer at Boquete Jazz u0026 Blues Festival, Boquete, Panama in 2012. The annual “Betty Bryant Birthday Bash”, a highly-popular Hollywood event, has been held at the renowned “Catalina’s Jazz Club”. Betty has seven critically acclaimed CDs including “No Regrets” in 2009, which was airplayed on more than 100 jazz stations across the country. Peter Solomon of station WCVE – FM in Richmond, Virginia said, “This is a sweet little record. Her laid back phrasing struck me. Her piano playing sounds a lot like Basie. “This woman has soul.” The album was programmed on seven major airlines’ inflight entertainment channels. Christopher Louden from JazzTimes Magazine calls Betty’s CD “Together” (2011) a “superlative testimony to her showmanship and depth.” Betty’s 2013 album “iteration” charted on JazzWeek National charts. Peter Kuller from Radio Adelaide, Australia, says that Betty Bryant is “absolutely amazing” and deserves international recognition. She is a jazz pianist who sings as well as a jazz singer who plays the piano. Whatever you prefer, she does both with great distinction.” From www.bettybryant.com
