Bryan Parris, (steel drum player/composer/songwriter), did not just pop up out of thin air, but rather has a long trajectory, as a multi-instrumentalist, who’s preferred instrument is the “steelpan”. From playing in top Trinidad steelbands, (Phase 2, Starlift, Tokyo), to performing on the streets of New York, Boston, L.A., or New Orleans, to playing on albums, soundtracks, and commercials, etc., “Sayman” , as he is known to friends, has been on a wonderfully, satisfying musical journey, on both sides of the Atlantic.
During the 80’s he briefly studied music at New England Conservatory, but spent most of his time hanging around, nearby Berkley College of Music, regularly using their facilities, doing recitals with several top students etc., though never officially studying there.
He toured Europe during the early ‘90’s visiting Italy, Germany, England, Spain, Greece, Switzerland and Canary Islands, playing with different jazz and steel drum groups. While living in Los Angeles and New York he performed (and or recorded) with several major artists, such as – Eric Gale, Bob Dylan, Sun-Ra, Wall of Voodoo, Film composer James Horner, Janice Ian, Randy Tico, Delmar Brown, The Neville Brothers, Tootie Heath & Macau, Taj Mahal/Pheroan Aklaaf, Charles(Express Yuhself) Wright, June Millington, among others.
His composition, “Caribbean Connection”, is part of the soundtrack of the Disney movie, “Rock & Roll Mom”, and he is also credited as a composer on albums by Azar Lawrence, Randi Paldi and Boogsie Sharpe, among others.
Also, he has performed at major music festivals around the world, including - New Orleans Jazz Festival, Peninsula Music Festival, The Beverly Hills Arts Festival, San Pedro International Jazz Festival, Riviera Maya Latin Jazz Festival, to name a few. In the late ‘80’s Bryan Parris and his band, “Caribbean Connection”, could regularly be seen and heard at the Tropicana Hotel Casino, Las Vegas, as part of their Caribbean Paradise promotion. “It’s not Jamaica man; it’s not Mazatlan, it’s not the Bahamas;…..it’s de Island of Las Vegas”.
Since the mid ‘90’s, Bryan has been living & working in the Mexican Caribbean, specializing in corporate and other private events, performing with his group, "The Watermellon Boys".
MEMORABLE MUSICAL MOMENTS: -
Doing a jam session at the new orleans jazz festival with Sam Rivers, Winton Marsalis (then only 18 years old), and Dave Holland, which was taped for national public radio.
Jamming with Alice Coltrane And Friends, at her residence in Topanga Canyon, california, one easter sunday, back in the early eighties.
Playing with Sun-Ra, (with Cecil Taylor as the opening act), at a mid-night concert, at symphony Space, New York, which lasted until the next morning.
HAS BEEN PREVILAGED TO SHARE THE STAGE OR SESSIONS WITH GREAT MUSICIANS SUCH AS :-
Airto Moriera
Flora Purim
Ricardo Silviera
Junior Homrich Jorge Struntz
Miguel Cruz
Gary Meek Johnny Guitar Watson
Fred Wesley
Frank Blair Robert Greenidge
Tom Petty
T-Bone Bennett Al Kooper
Ron Wood Dave Stewart
Benmont Tench
Huch Hutchinson Anton Fig
Tony Bronagle
Richard Bailey
Dan Fergerson Abe Laboriel
Ian Wallace Emil Richards
Joe Pocaro Paulino Dacosta
Ernie Watts
Alex Acuna
Tommy Tedesco Andy Narrel
Jeff Narrell
Tom Miller
John Gilmore
Marshall Thomson
Tim Landers Kenwood Dennard
Francisco Mela
Gabriel Hernandez Chucho Valdez Jr.
Lynn Fiddmont Mark Ledford
Kevin Ricard
