In my initial review of, Charles Bradley's most recent album, 'No Time for Dreaming' (http://scoaustin.blogspot.com/2011/04/album-review-charles-bradley-no-time.html) I went quite deep in to, Bradley’s life experiences that have had a huge impact on this particular album and his career at large. In short, he was born in Florida, later raised in Brooklyn, NY spending a large part of his formative years on the streets. In the early 60’s, his sister took him to see, James Brown at, 'The Apollo' in Harlem, NY which gripped him and ultimately provided the catalyst to the music career that he now enjoys. Just as things had turned around for the better in his life, disaster struck when his brother was shot and killed by his nephew. The first song of this night’s event is a tribute to his late brother in, 'Heartaches and Pain'.
Prior to the show, what hit me most was the eclectic mix of audience with far more white faces and far younger people than I had anticipated. I was happily surprised to find that soul music still has a depth of popularity and spans the length and breadth of demographics...exactly how it was intended to be.
The six piece supporting cast in the form of saxophone, trumpet, bass guitar, lead guitar, drums and keyboards took to the stage and played a melodic funky soul intro for several minutes to set the tone. More jamming ensued before the enigmatic 63 year old, Charles Bradley took to the stage with his diamante clad, all black outfit and kicked off with the emotional, 'Heartaches and Pain'. The passion in his voice and grimace on his face is pure and real and his vocals are so moving. 'No Time for Dreaming' that follows really is in the realm of the legendary, James Brown. The scream of “gotta get on up, and do your thing” all so familiar. Not so much on the dancing front though...Bradley couldn’t shine the late, Brown’s shoes in that department. 'Loving You, Baby' is extremely powerful. The man has such natural talent and even a brief microphone issue caused no obstacle for the effervescent, Bradley.
The six piece supporting cast in the form of saxophone, trumpet, bass guitar, lead guitar, drums and keyboards took to the stage and played a melodic funky soul intro for several minutes to set the tone. More jamming ensued before the enigmatic 63 year old, Charles Bradley took to the stage with his diamante clad, all black outfit and kicked off with the emotional, 'Heartaches and Pain'. The passion in his voice and grimace on his face is pure and real and his vocals are so moving. 'No Time for Dreaming' that follows really is in the realm of the legendary, James Brown. The scream of “gotta get on up, and do your thing” all so familiar. Not so much on the dancing front though...Bradley couldn’t shine the late, Brown’s shoes in that department. 'Loving You, Baby' is extremely powerful. The man has such natural talent and even a brief microphone issue caused no obstacle for the effervescent, Bradley.
'The World (Is Going Up in Flames)' follows with wonderful lyrics. This is a firm favourite with his followers and probably the biggest hit from, ‘No Time for Dreaming’. Bradley almost preaching to us on this one as the keys and horns collaborate to great effect...not to mention the rhythmic plucking on the lead guitar throughout. On the next track, 'How Long', Bradley’s grizzly vocals and energetic ‘dance moves’ combine to display his anguish. He chooses to use his mic stand to enact Jesus Christ on the cross to further exhibit his pain on this song. Great trumpet solo on this by Billy.
The first cover of the evening was up next in the form of, Allman Brothers’, ‘Slip Away’. Charles seeming losing his mind and getting his funk on eclipsing on the “got to got to have it” chorus with the spritely 63 year old ending with the splits before leaving the stage briefly while the band jammed on momentarily. I actually thought that he had hurt himself doing the splits and the rest of the show was in doubt, but thankfully it turned out to be a quick costume change. He soon returned to the stage having swapped his diamante laden shirt and trousers for a musty brown jump suit that only a soul brother such as he can pull off (don’t try it at home people).
‘This Love Aint Big Enough for the Two of Us’ followed and I hadn’t heard this track before tonight. It’s one that, Bradley released a little earlier in his career when he performed as, ‘Charles Bradley and The Bullets’. This track is the definition of ‘funk’ for me. I’m not much of a mover, but many of the, Bowery Ballroom crowd were ‘getting down’ to this one…shaking their hips and bopping away to every beat and guitar chord. With the crowd het up, Bradley then performed a deep down and dirty instrumental while also introducing his talented band. He firstly prompted trumpeter, Billy to give some horn which he dually did, before asking, Tommy on saxophone to “rock your soul”. Flipping it over to the none too amused, Mikey D on organ, Bradley lambasted the coy looking keyboard player saying, “all you did was stick it in” first time around asking him to go again and give it some more. Second time around was acceptable to the ‘in his zone’, Bradley who then turned it over to bass asking, Mike Nad “can I get some fuckin’ bass?” The bass player did not disappoint with some deep bass chords. When lead guitarist, Tom got the shout, he treated the NY crowd to a thrilling rendition of ‘Love theme from the Godfather’ in a Spanish guitar style. He received the biggest cheer before drummer, Pino was asked to provide some funky drama. This ended a fifteen minute long jam that the audience was right in to.
Oddly enough, a song that I had listened to a little earlier in the day, ‘Heart of Gold’ by, Neil Young was up next. The song sounds so different under, Bradley’s tenure, but an enjoyable mix of a classic song nonetheless. The sultry and chilled out, ‘Telephone Song’ was next and brought things down a touch. Again, simple, but effective lyrics by, Bradley – “I'm tired of fighting baby...we don't need to fight no more. Two fools in love”. I really like the riff on ‘I Believe in Your Love’. It’s just a continual four chord riff that appears throughout the sleepy track, but with horns and, Bradley’s vocals added, really hits the spot.
‘This Love Aint Big Enough for the Two of Us’ followed and I hadn’t heard this track before tonight. It’s one that, Bradley released a little earlier in his career when he performed as, ‘Charles Bradley and The Bullets’. This track is the definition of ‘funk’ for me. I’m not much of a mover, but many of the, Bowery Ballroom crowd were ‘getting down’ to this one…shaking their hips and bopping away to every beat and guitar chord. With the crowd het up, Bradley then performed a deep down and dirty instrumental while also introducing his talented band. He firstly prompted trumpeter, Billy to give some horn which he dually did, before asking, Tommy on saxophone to “rock your soul”. Flipping it over to the none too amused, Mikey D on organ, Bradley lambasted the coy looking keyboard player saying, “all you did was stick it in” first time around asking him to go again and give it some more. Second time around was acceptable to the ‘in his zone’, Bradley who then turned it over to bass asking, Mike Nad “can I get some fuckin’ bass?” The bass player did not disappoint with some deep bass chords. When lead guitarist, Tom got the shout, he treated the NY crowd to a thrilling rendition of ‘Love theme from the Godfather’ in a Spanish guitar style. He received the biggest cheer before drummer, Pino was asked to provide some funky drama. This ended a fifteen minute long jam that the audience was right in to.
Oddly enough, a song that I had listened to a little earlier in the day, ‘Heart of Gold’ by, Neil Young was up next. The song sounds so different under, Bradley’s tenure, but an enjoyable mix of a classic song nonetheless. The sultry and chilled out, ‘Telephone Song’ was next and brought things down a touch. Again, simple, but effective lyrics by, Bradley – “I'm tired of fighting baby...we don't need to fight no more. Two fools in love”. I really like the riff on ‘I Believe in Your Love’. It’s just a continual four chord riff that appears throughout the sleepy track, but with horns and, Bradley’s vocals added, really hits the spot.
As we get towards the end, Bradley performs, ‘Golden Rule’ before jumping down in to the baying crowd (despite lead guitar, Tom’s head shake of disapproval when, Bradley asked whether he should) and embraces numerous members of a delighted audience. A few minutes later, Bradley and the band reappeared to perform another poignant track, ‘Why is it So Hard’ which is effectively a commentary of the struggles that the singer himself faced for the majority of his live. The elated, Bradley ends a superb show by preaching the Lord’s Prayer, explaining, “When I say these words, I’m talking to you in my Father’s house”.My only question is “where was Bradley 30 years ago?” He’s a raw, natural talent who is simply born to entertain. It’s not often I attend shows of this musical genre that I thoroughly enjoy, but Bradley has me wanting more. At the tender age of 63, Bradley is an inspiration to many of his peers who perhaps never made it the first time around. He displays an appetite and energy that is so magnetic and warming. If you want to go and see a modern day Brown, Redding, Green or Armstrong, then go and see, Charles Bradley. Rating 7.5/10
Set List:
Heartaches and Pain
No Time for Dreaming
Loving You, Baby
The World (Is Going Up In Flames)
How Long
Slip Away (Allman Brothers cover)
This Love Aint Big Enough for the Two of Us
Instrumental
Heart of Gold (Neil Young cover)
Telephone Song
I Believe in Your Love
Golden Rule
Why is it So Hard
No comments:
Post a Comment