Deep Groove Encyclopedia - Bernard Wright

Bernard Wright

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Click below for a Bernard Wright sample:

Bernard Wright certainly came out of the box with the apperance of a prodigal talent. Taking up piano as a child, he was proficient enough on the keyboards to become a fixture of the Jamaica, New York funk/jazz scene, appearing on recordings by Tom Browne and earning his own contract by the age of 16. There were high hopes for 'Nard but the expected hit single never came, even though it was just as strong, if not stronger, than similar work from Browne or Lenny White that was hitting the charts.

Wright finally scored a hit with "Who Do You Love" in the mid 80s. Since then he's become a very popular session player for Cameo, Marcus Miller, the Jamaica Boys and dozens of others, but hasn't recorded anything under his own name.

Bernard Wright's Deepest Grooves

'Nard (GRP, 1981)
Astounding recording from a mere child. Unlike most records by kids, Wright has a heavy influence on the creative direction of the album, whose mission seems to be to showcase Wright's total skills. There's straight-ahead jazz ("Solar"), crisp fusion ("Spinnin'," "Just Chillin' Out"), and hardcore funk ("Haboglobotribin"), all delivered with authority. The lineup of musicians includes Marcus Miller, Don Blackman and Roy Haynes. Essential.

Funky Beat (GRP, 1983)

Mr. Wright (Manhattan, 1985)