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"The Bone is Back"
Peep
this folks the word is out the latest gem from Hidden Beach
Recordings is on the your way by trombonist Jeff Bradshaw,
the Philadelphia (the emerging soul Mecca) native anchors
himself firmly, an wrapped in deep the roots of Black American
music with his debut recording entitled Bone Deep. In high
demand these days, Jeff’s rep as a sideman has enabled
him to pool his resources therefore; gathering an impressive
list of who’s who in R&B and Hip-Hop’s mega
stars to expressively accent the flavor of Bone Deep.
The
Players: Vocals by Jill Scott, Glenn Lewis, N’Dambi,
Bilal, Floetry,
Carol Riddick, and Darius Rucker. Bassist Gerald Veasley
and of course Jeff Bradshaw’s enormous writing, arranging,
bone-popping & sliding talents.
Okay,
scoot over everyone and make a little room for sista Jill
Scott! She takes the lead with her sassy charm and wit lending
her vocal stylings to “Slide”, scatting away
purring soulful vocalesse into your spirit featuring Jeff
Bradshaw’s growling boneology which is slow, precise
and deliberate with intensity making this a satisfying beginning!
The baritone voice of Jeff’s bone sets the tone creating
a new standard in R&B and Hip-Hop therefore; providing
a lush arrangement with jazz flavored sensibilities.
“The
Bone is Back” drops in momentarily with honey dipped
rhythmic harmonies filled with Jeff’s scatting bonisim
matched only by the tells of a broken heart soul on a cut
called Lookin’ featuring Jeff’s vocal impression
of Roger Trautman layered by synthesized trombone solos.
Jeff continues to chant vocally with “Guess You’ll
Never Know”, as he keeps the stew simmering slowly,
stirring up a preview of his vocal talents.
Another
brief encounter with “The Bone is Back” takes
place followed by a guest appearance by bassist Gerald Veasley
on “I’ll Always Love You”. This breezy
selection is one of many appetizing offerings by Bradshaw;
with his bone in hand; he slides and glides seamlessly with
his voice in filled with hypnotic poetry. Gerald’s
rapid bass solos flows into the lower register are heaven
sent wrapped with Jeff’s boneology takes us on a soulful
journey exploring the intricate qualities of Bone Deep.
“Beyond The Stars” draws you in immediately
with the voice of Glenn Lewis; surprisingly Lewis accurately
captures the purity of Stevie Wonder’s mesmerizing
voice eloquently. Jeff’s understanding of his instrument
continues to glisten with affluent inventiveness serving
up a near perfect dose of hippest.
At
the 8th position is apiece called “Soul of The Bahia”.
Jeff’s passions for jazz summons you into an engaging
foot tappin’ and head boppin’ samba dripped
with the honey suckle flavorings of the Caribbean.
“Beautiful
Day” features vocalists and rapologist Floetry, the
duo glides smoothly into a sensuous mid-tempo groove coupled
by Jeff’s hip grappin’ and mind boggling bone
solos bridged over the top pulsating beats are bound to
have you return for another listen.
Bradshaw’s
bone creeps into the pulse of smoothness complimented by
the vocalesse of Carol Riddick on “Can You Come Over”.
Now that they have, your attention Jeff solo pulls you into
Carol’s velvety smooth voice engaging in a cauldron
of voice, bone and rhythmic foreplay.
“Miss
Celie’s” comes right out of the scrapbook of
the soundtrack Color Purple featuring the dynamic voice
of N’Dambi, (ole suga, come on now bring on the blues
baby girl)! Again, Jeff’s bone pours out soulful and
heart stopping moans and groan’s re-creating a near
perfect atmosphere of the juke joint blues at the Sugar
Shack!
Jeff
handles his business with a taste of irresistible funk by
James Brown titled “Make It Funky” featuring
Bilal vocally. Without a doubt this rendition is magical
on the set of Bone Deep! Jeff pays homage too a gentleman
that sits firmly at the in the second position next too
his Dad in his list of musical influences is trombonist
Fred Wesley, there’s no doubt Mr. Wesley is smilin’
with an abundance of gratitude with this tribute (ain’t
nothin’ like a funky JB Horns partay!).
After
encountering of the utmost funkified deliverance from the
previous track, Jeff slows the groove tastefully with hints
of the Mizell Brothers production from the 70’s with
Donald Byrd like harmonies on a cut titled “On My
Way”. This tune is sweet, it fits anytime of day perfectly;
it’s warm with a heaping scoop of delicious melodies!
The
Bone is Back (reprise) returns with sequenced beatbox attitude.
Jeff turns too his upbringing swinging with the Gospel classic
“Swing Low”, yes, this moment of remembrance
takes him back home rejoicing in the spirit of the Lord!
Next up vocalist, Darius Rucker lends his vocal prowess
too “Yesterday” (why today remind me of yesterday,
have some harmony and lets make a change) Darius keeps it
lyrically tight!
Jeff
Bradshaw’s debut “Bone Deep” magically
floats through the passages of time with heartfelt and spirited
tonality, he’s created a seductive overture of mesmerizing
melodies and harmonies steeped in the brew of his heritage.
Jeff’s sound is lyrically creative therefore; his
voice is vital, a welcome imprint in the body of today’s
music. Jeff Bradshaw listen too his vibrant voice and remember
his name, Bone Deep is most definitely one of the coolest
joints of 2003!
Recommended
to and for the musically diverse.
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