Karl “Cannonball” Bryan (born Karl Altamont Bryan, April 3, 1937, in Kingston, Jamaica) is a Jamaican saxophonist renowned for his contributions to first-wave ska, rocksteady, and early reggae. His nickname “Cannonball” pays homage to jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, reflecting his early influences from jazz greats like Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. Growing up in poverty after his father’s early death, Bryan attended the Alpha Boys’ School from 1949 to 1953, where he learned clarinet under Reuben Delgado before switching to saxophone. This institution, a cradle of Jamaican musical talent, shaped his early career.
Bryan began performing in the 1950s, initially playing jazz standards in hotel bands for tourists. By 1962, he performed alongside future Skatalites members like Don Drummond, Roland Alphonso, Tommy McCook, and Ernest Ranglin at a benefit jazz show at the Regal Theater. In the mid-1960s, he became a prolific session musician, working under names like Carl Bryan, King Cannon, or Cannonball King with groups such as Tommy McCook & The Supersonics, The Soul Vendors, and Derrick Harriott & The Crystalites. His saxophone work is featured on countless recordings, including some with The Skatalites, though he was not an original member. He contributed to iconic tracks like The Wailers’ 1964 hit “Simmer Down,” recorded at Studio One with Skatalites members as backing musicians.
Notable recordings under his name include “Reggae Got Soul” (1968), “Soul Scorcher,” “Money Generator,” and “Wha’pen” (as King Cannon). Bryan also played with artists like The Heptones, Marcia Griffiths, and international stars such as Patti LaBelle, Sammy Davis Jr., Ben E. King, Jackie Wilson, Johnny Nash, and Bob Marley. In the 1970s, he joined Cecil Lloyd’s Jamaica Workshop alongside Reuben Alexander and Billy Cooke. He toured with The Skatalites from 2004 to 2007 during their 40th anniversary, enhancing their lineup
Bryan left the music industry in the late 1970s but remained active in Toronto, where he performed at local markets for 17 years, captivating audiences with his ska and reggae saxophone melodies.
More on Karl Bryan here : https://www.caribbean-beat.com/joy-sax
https://www.torontoreggae.ca/artists-1
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