Blame it on Stevie Ray Vaughan.  When Tom Bryant, former guitarist of the well-known local rock group STONEY LONESOME, heard the Texan’s intensely soulful playing, he realized that there was much more to music than loud, distorted guitar riffs.  After immersing himself in the music of Vaughan and other blues-based groups such as the Allman Brothers, Tom began listening to their influences in order to delve deeper and deeper into the heart and soul of this remarkable music we call the blues.  These years of avid listening have certainly contributed to the formation of Tom’s emotional slide-based guitar style.  Along the way, brother Bob Bryant (also formerly of STONEY LONESOME) became hooked as well.  Bob’s exceptional talent and energy on the drums add a Bonham-influenced ferocity that very few bands are fortunate enough to have.

 

                So out of STONEY LONESOME evolved the BRYANT BROTHERS BLUES BREW.  After several incarnations, the group has settled on its current killer lineup.  Tom and Bob continue on guitar and drums, respectively, and both now handle some vocal duties as well.  A key addition has been bassist/vocalist Craig Hay, a lifetime resident of the Lehigh Valley and veteran of the local music scene.  It’s kind of amazing that with so many shared friends and acquaintances, the orbits of Bryant and Hay did not intersect sooner.  That said, since hooking up, the three have more than made up for lost time.  Hay’s strong vocal and instrumental presence has prompted a natural progression toward more jam-based blues-rock, with a focus on group improvisation.  Now going by the moniker BRYANT BROTHERS in order to reflect this slight shift in musical direction, the blues is still at the heart of all the music they play.  The BROTHERS thrive on putting a rock edge to older blues tunes, as well as putting bluesy twists into older rock songs.  Original tunes are working their way into the set list as well.  It’s safe to say that no matter what the song is, the BRYANT BROTHERS will put their stamp on it!

 

While never intending to do so, the BROTHERS have added a cornet player, Danny Batarick, who gives the group a jazzy flavor at times.  Danny has been playing all types of music since he was 12 years old, and his passionate playing adds another dimension to the BRYANT BROTHERS sound.  Another unexpected addition is that of the very talented Pete Orlando on percussion and drums.  Pete’s love of old-school jazz, as well as classic rock and blues, enables the band to delve into Allman Brothers/Santana territory with ease.  The telepathy between Pete and Brother Bob on drums must be witnessed to be believed!

 

                So is the story of the BRYANT BROTHERS.  These men love playing music together, and it shows every time they step on stage.  Their wide range of material and unique instrumentation sets them apart from other bands on the scene.  Whether it’s old or new, fast or slow, loud or soft, one thing is for sure – listening to their blues will surely help you forget yours!