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An unsung monster in the pantheon of exceptional soul-jazz outings from the Prestige catalog, Fire Eater finds Bryant grooving hard in a combo that featured Idris Muhammad on drums, Wilbert Longmire on guitar, and both Bill Mason and Leon Spencer Jr. on organ.

Included in this stretched-out, funky set of four originals is the title track, “Fire Eater,” which was sampled for “Swing Set” by Jurassic 5 (2000) and appeared on the 1999 collaboration between DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist, Brainfreeze. While not as instantly recognizable by name as other greats of the tenor saxophone such as John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins, Bryant’s fiery and athletic approach on this set sets him apart from his peers as a force to be reckoned with. In the strident groove and funky underpinnings of Fire Eater is the blueprint for generations of future groovers and funkateers. Essential.

Rusty Bryant – Fire Eater

Release Date:
May 5, 2017
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Tracklist:

Side A 
Fire Eater
Free At Last

Side B 
The Hooker
Mister S.

Credits:

Art Direction – Tony Lane 

Artwork [Cover Art] – Dolphus Smith Jr.

Drums – Idris Muhammad

Guitar – Wilbert Longmire

Lacquer Cut By – CJIII*

Organ – Bill Mason (tracks: A1, A2), Leon Spencer, Jr. (tracks: B1, B2)

Producer [Supervision] – Bob Porter

Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder

Tenor Saxophone – Rusty Bryant