Memphis soul original and Hi Records hit man Don Bryant has released his “marvelous” (Rolling Stone) comeback LP ‘Don’t Give Up On Love’ on Fat Possum Records. Recorded in honor of his wife of 43 years, the soul legend Ann Peebles, the collection is Don’s first release in decades. It has already received praise from the likes of NPR Music, Rolling Stone, Paste, Uncut, MOJO and more.
Listen to Don Bryant on WNYC’s The Takeaway here: http://bit.ly/2qd7jqU
On ‘Don’t Give Up On Love,’ Don is joined by multiple generations of Memphis studio legends, including Hi Rhythm Section members Charles Hodges (organ), Archie “Hubbie” Turner (keyboard) and Howard Grimes (drums), Joe Restivo (guitar), Kirk Smothers (horns), and Scott Bomar (bass). Marc Franklin and Art Edmaiston, both of the Gregg Allman Band, contributed horns. The album was produced by Scott Bomar and Bruce Watson and tracked by Adam Hill at Bomar’s Electraphonic Recording studio in Memphis.
With an intrepid musical style informed by his church upbringing, Don Bryant first found success with his vocal group the Four Kings. He was then taken under the wing of Hi Records legend Willie Mitchell and soon released a full length album on Hi and wrote songs for Solomon Burke, Albert King, Etta James and many more.
But Don Bryant’s biggest hits came when, in 1970, he was linked up with Hi Records artist Ann Peebles. The two penned the classic “I Can’t Stand the Rain” and many others before marrying in 1974. They toured together regularly for decades and are married to this day. Following a stroke in 2012, Peebles retired from performing and Don found himself at home for the first extended period in many years, affording him the time to return to the studio and commence the sessions that would become ‘Don’t Give Up On Love.’
Watch his video for “How Do I Get There?” shot in the Clayborn Temple, a landmark of the civil rights movement via NPR: http://n.pr/2loxNon
Don Bryant will perform with a full band at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn on May 16th.He’ll also play a Memphis show at the Levitt Shell on May 30th. More dates to be announced.
PRAISE FOR DON BRYANT AND ‘DON’T GIVE UP ON LOVE’:
“A formidable soul singer…inspired in every sense of the term.” — NPR Music
“His voice remains marvelous…canonical, finely tuned Southern soul.” — Rolling Stone
“’Don’t Give Up On Love’ is a joyous miracle. Whatever Don Bryant’s been taking, we could all use a dose.” — Paste (8.7 / 10)
“A lively and supremely compelling singer.” — Uncut (Four Stars ****)
“Bryant’s vocal is rich and full on songs that are framed in exclamatory horns and soothing organ” — MOJO (Four Stars ****)
“Really deserves those five stars…ten killer tracks.” — Record Collector (Five Stars *****)
“One pleasant and pleasing surprise.” — AllMusic
“This is a defining statement of what proper soul music is all about.” — Soul and Jazz and Funk
“You will love this voice…simply perfect.” — Americana Music Show
TRACKLIST
- A Nickel and a Nail
- Something About You
- It Was Jealousy
- First You Cry
- I Got To Know
- Don’t Give Up On Love
- How Do I Get There
- Can’t Hide the Hurt
- One Ain’t Enough
- What Kind of Love
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