 Courtesy of the Artist
A self-taught musician, Irish-born singer-songwriter Bob Bradshaw entered Berklee School of Music in his 40's to complete his education, receiving his degree in 2009. His latest release, 2017's American Echoes, received accolades for its infectious blend of folk, blues, country, and jazz. Recently Bradshaw released “Niagara Barrel Ride Blues,” a blues ballad showcasing his warm, laid-back vocals and rich storytelling talents; and “Albuquerque,” a wistful work which harkens back to the “countrypolitan” 60’s songs of Jimmy Webb/Glen Campbell. Here, Bradshaw answers his Essential 8 and talks songwriting, Van Morrison, Dylan, and more.
With any particular song, was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect? It’s probably more accurate to say that there was an ‘a-ha’ moment when I realized a particular song I thought was finished was, if fact, incomplete and imperfect. Most songs actually. What’s the best advice you have ever gotten from another musician? Just be yourself. (Easier said than done, of course) What has been your biggest struggle so far? Probably lack of confidence in my material. Only recently – after twenty years of writing and seven albums - do I feel I have a really strong hour and a half! Where do you draw inspiration from when writing? Anywhere and everywhere. Other songs. Conversations. Poetry.
When/where do you do your best writing?
At home, in my music room. I can take notes and record ideas on the road but I pretty much have to chain myself to my desk to get the final draft of anything completed. Do you have a favorite (or first) concert you have ever attended? The first favorite was probably Van Morrison back in the early eighties. A great rock band with horns, great songs. And Van was intense! Is there a recent release you cannot stop listening to? The new Bob Dylan Bootleg release, More Blood More Tracks. Fascinating to hear the alternate takes of those great songs, and I’ve never been more impressed with Dylan as a singer. He inhabits, ‘acts out’ the songs, wistful on one take, angry on another – he must have learned that from the old blues guys, or from Sinatra. Which song of yours gets the best crowd response? It’s probably my suite of ‘drinking’ songs – ‘From The 2-step To The 12-step Once Again’, ‘When I was God’ and ‘A Bird never Flew On Just One Wing.” Website
1 Comment
6/22/2021 10:29:28 pm
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