Guitarist Freddie Bryant, a native New Yorker, was born in the apple on December 30, 1964. That he is from the proverbial musical family is only part of the story. His mother, a concert singer played "Bess" in the same production of "Porgy and Bess" as Cab Calloway, who portrayed "Sportin' Life" in the musical. His father, a concert pianist, often accompanied vocalist Robert McFerrin Sr. (Bobby's father).
Another part of the story is Freddie's jazz and classical musical education which started at age 8 and continued to include grade school (Dalton, NYC) and high school (Music and Art High School, NYC). He received private jazz instruction with guitarists Gene Bertoncini, Sal Salvador and Ted Dunbar. His classical studies were with Phil de Fremery. In 1987, Bryant graduated Summa Cum Laude from Amherst College. There, his concert thesis consisted of solo and duo classical performances as well as a jazz suite for an 11-piece orchestra with string quartet and poetry. He then completed his graduate studies at Yale University with renowned classical guitarist Ben Verdery, received his Master's Degree and won the Havemeyer Scholarship.
Freddie has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Max Roach, Lonnie Smith and guitar legend Kenny Burrell. Additionally, Freddie has appeared on releases by Kevin Hays and Steve Wilson.
For the past ten years, Freddie has led jazz groups under his own name and with pianist Johnny King. His groups have featured such saxophonists as Ralph Moore, currently with the Jay Leno Tonight Show Band, David Sanchez, Don Braden and Vincent Herring. Other musicians include pianists Renee Rosnes and Kevin Hays and trumpeter Randy Brecker as well as many others.
In 1994, Freddie celebrated the release in Japan of his own CD entitled Take Your Dance Into Battle. It was recorded for the Jazz City Spirit label and is soon to released in the U.S. After hearing the release, Kenny Burrell wrote "Freddie Bryant's ability as an accompanist, soloist, composer, arranger and leader is first rate. My congratulations to this fine musician and his group."
The review in Japan's leading jazz magazine Swing Journal stated "his wide range of sound is new and outstanding... and the variety of compositions shows an original source of ideas, making this jazz album very unique."
Freddie's most recent venture has been the creation of a Brazilian-like jazz group, The Brooklyn Rain Forest featuring Randy Brecker. The music employs the use of classical guitar in a jazz setting.
Composing has always been an important part of his musical life. His new release features nine original tunes. Other accomplishments include writing the score for an independent film for Portuguese television and composing for a choreographer's dance recital. He recently premiered a solo piece for classical guitar at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. His classical performances have taken him to schools and churches throughout the country as well as the Franck Colleymore Hall in Barbados.
In summary, Freddie Bryant, with all of his energy and activity, belies the dictum that "youth is wasted on the young". He continues to play and explore, compose and arrange, listen and learn... That's only part of the story.

Biography courtesy of Baratz & Browne Inc.