A few weeks ago, I wrote a review of Chris Bradley's album, Voices. At the time I hadn't posted any of his music, but gievn how good this album is, I think I should share this with you. He also emailed me to say how pleased he was with the review and that I could post some music AND hopefully do an interview with him . Read the review, then check out these mp3s and go and buy the album.
If you didn't follow it up, then shame on you, frankly.
Chris Bradley's Voices is described as being anticipated. It should be, even if you've never heard of him before. To describe him as a talented singer, songwriter and guitarist is rather like saying that Tiger Woods is quite good at golf, or that the Williams' sisters are rather good on the tennis court: an understatement that doesn't begin to get to grips with the facts. Quite simply, on the evidence of these songs he is one of the best. And you can quote me.
Bradley's solo debut is a collection of twelve songs that shows a range of skills and twelve fantastic songs that reflect a wide range of influences. This Edinburgh-based man, who has travelled the world and been steeped in music from a very young age writes beautiful songs, but they are not predictable. This is not an album that takes one song and gives you a dozen more on a similar and rapidly diminishing theme. Rather, chord changes, lyrics and a vocal range that reminds me of Jeff Buckley's in range, if not in sound, making me want to play the album again and again (it plays as I type and I've now played it three times in the last twenty four hours. Expect to see it feature highly in that most important of lists: the Seventeen Seconds end of year Festive Fifty Tracks and albums).
Last year he was invited by Riley Briggs to join Scottish institution Aberfeldy, which he accepted, adding yet another string to his bow. Briggs' brother Murray features on drums on two tracks here, as does 'feldy bandmate Ken McIntosh, and the original 'feldy drummer Ian Stoddart. But judge this as a Feldy project at your peril: it's one of the strongest albums I've heard this year. Tracks like 'To My Ears' 'Hide & Seek' and 'Down I go' are just three of an album full of highlights.
Do yourself a favour and track it down.
****1/2
Instead of posting the tracks, why not watch this video?
A teacher by career choice, a music fan by instinct. In my thirties now, but I don't allow growing up to get in the way of enjoying things like music and film.
The best way is by this blog's own email address:
seventeensecondsblog@hotmail.co.uk
I'm always up for featuring bands or artists on here, so get in touch. And if you represent one of the artists involved and would like me to remove the track, that's fine too (you will just lose some free publicity, as well as looking like Goliath picking on David).
The mp3s posted here are for a short time only, a maximum of two weeks and are intended for people to evaluate the music, and not as a replacement for buying music. If you like what you hear, support the artists involved by buying the music, and going to shows, buying T-shirts etc.
Some music I love-and think you should check out too
