Betty Bryant is a Los Angeles treasure. The singer, pianist and composer has been a regular on the Southern California jazz scene since 1955 when she moved from her hometown of Kansas City, where she was mentored by the late, great Jay McShann. Her blues-based piano and vocal stylings have garnered her a legion of fans at numerous jazz clubs and night spots up and down the West Coast and beyond. Now, at the remarkable age of 96, Ms. Bryant is releasing “Nothin’ Better to Do,” her 15^th album. It features three original tunes as well as several tracks that are off the beaten path.

Trumpeter Ella Grace came up in the Twin Cities jazz scene before relocating to Chicago in 2021 to pursue a degree in Jazz Studies at DePaul University. Immersed in the city’s vibrant music culture, she steadily built a presence as both bandleader and side-person, culminating in her selection for the 2024 Chicago Music Scene Fellowship, which funded the recording of her debut disc, “Figments.” Featuring seven original compositions, the album is brought to life by some of Chicago’s most compelling young musicians and presents Ms. Grace’s compositional voice with clarity, depth and emotional resonance.

Also this week, Marshalltown, Iowa native Dana Legg presents the second recording from his Stage Band, “Scoopin’ the Loop”; trombonist and composer John Fumasoli unveils “Not Sure,” the fourth release from his 10 piece little big band The Jones Factor; and pianist and composer Darren Litzie, who’s been performing professionally for over fifteen years, brings us his second album as a leader, “On My Own Time.”

It’s 1937, and June Richmond steps to the microphone for Jimmy Dorsey’s big band. Doing so, she makes history as the first Black singer in an all-white orchestra. Richman caught the attention of Dorsey and Bing Crosby during a set at the Los Angeles Cotton Club. They invited her to their table, made Richmond an offer, and two rehearsals later she was performing on Bing’s radio show.

Richmond’s strong, bluesy vocals and friendly, energetic stage presence was a hit with critics and audiences alike. Almost as popular was her sense of humor. When the press described her as “portly” for tipping the scales at over 220 pounds, she used it to her advantage. Her self-deprecating fat jokes became a part of her persona.

Her popularity, unfortunately, didn’t shield her from prejudice. Just a year into her tenure with Jimmy Dorsey, the press reported on an “unpleasantness” between Richmond and the Hotel New Yorker, where the Dorsey band was playing. The exact circumstances were never disclosed, but it is accepted that the incident led to Richmond leaving the band soon after. 

She sang with Cab Calloway for a time, then enjoyed a lengthy stint with Andy Kirk’s Clouds of Joy before transitioning to Broadway and movie musicals. She remained a darling with the press. One critic wrote, “whatever she does, June Richmond paves the way. Without her, there wouldn’t be Billie Holiday or any other Black singers. She’s not breaking the mold; she made the mold.”