Biography
Len Bryant launched his musical journey as a doo wop singer during the 1950s and went on to devote five decades to dual roles as drummer and vocalist. Abundant musical talent ran through his relatives, most notably his sister Vera Eubanks, a multi-instrumentalist whose three sons—guitarist Kevin Eubanks, trombonist Robin Eubanks, and trumpeter Duane Eubanks—each pursued jazz careers. His brother Ray Bryant earned acclaim as a stellar jazz pianist, while another sibling, the late Tom Bryant, worked as a vocalist. Among these familial connections, Ray Bryant exerted the strongest pull on Len, who first grew captivated by the piano and his brother’s approach to it during Army service; there he formed rehearsal and jam bands alongside fellow members of the Army band.
After several years balancing piano and drums, Bryant ultimately concentrated on the latter instrument. Upon returning to civilian life he stepped away from music altogether before enrolling at the Granoff School of Music, where he again pursued both piano and drums in tandem. He soon secured gigs as a drummer with various R&B bands yet continued to yearn for the jazz idiom practiced by his brothers. Drummer Mickey Roker, a standout figure on the Philadelphia jazz scene, became a decisive influence. Eventually Ray Bryant and Tom Bryant brought their sibling into a family band that dissolved following Tom Bryant’s death in the 1980s.
Confining most of his work to the Philadelphia region, Len Bryant routinely sang several numbers during each performance, prompting audience members to urge him toward a full-time vocal career. In 2000 the Orchard label issued his album It’s Now Midnight Waiting for Your Love.
After several years balancing piano and drums, Bryant ultimately concentrated on the latter instrument. Upon returning to civilian life he stepped away from music altogether before enrolling at the Granoff School of Music, where he again pursued both piano and drums in tandem. He soon secured gigs as a drummer with various R&B bands yet continued to yearn for the jazz idiom practiced by his brothers. Drummer Mickey Roker, a standout figure on the Philadelphia jazz scene, became a decisive influence. Eventually Ray Bryant and Tom Bryant brought their sibling into a family band that dissolved following Tom Bryant’s death in the 1980s.
Confining most of his work to the Philadelphia region, Len Bryant routinely sang several numbers during each performance, prompting audience members to urge him toward a full-time vocal career. In 2000 the Orchard label issued his album It’s Now Midnight Waiting for Your Love.
Albums
