Source Material: Rusty Bryant – “Zoo Boogaloo”

Rusty Bryant was a jazz tenor and alto saxophonist from Huntington, West Virginia.  He grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and he later became a staple on the local jazz circuit.  In 1951, after working as a sideman with jazz musicians Tiny Grimes and Stomp Gordon, he formed the Carolyn Club Band.  Three years later, Bryant signed a deal with Dot Records, a Nashville, Tennessee based label.  He recorded a few albums, and his most successful song was “All Night Long” (1954), a cover of Jimmy Forest’s “Night Train” (1952). In 1957, Bryant’s contract ended, and he returned back home.  He continued playing on the local circuit, but he stopped recording.

In 1968, Bryant started recording again; he was featured as a saxophonist on That Healin’ Feelin’, a Groove Holmes album.  One year later, in 1969, Bryant’s return was cemented after he signed a deal with Prestige Records.  In his first year, he released Rusty Bryant Returns (1969).  The first song on the album, “Zoo Boogaloo” includes soul, funk, and jazz elements.  When I listen to this song, it sounds like a man motivated by a great comeback story.  Thankfully, the comeback was strong; Bryant released a number of albums for Prestige well throughout the ’70s, and his music continued to get better.

Rusty Bryant – “Zoo Boogaloo”