Breaking the music industry (the old fashioned way) is no easy feat, someone who knows that more than most is Charles Bradley.
Born in 1948 in Florida, raised on the streets of Brooklyn, New York – Charles grew up on hard times. His life could easily be written in to a novel or made into a film – stories of federal programs for underprivileged families, hitchhiking across America (from New York, to California, up through Canada), family tragedies – all in search of his dream. A dream he became obsessed with in 1962, when he first saw James Brown perform live at the Apollo.
It may have taken him 62 years, but Bradley finally released his first full length album this year, ironically titled No Time For Dreaming. Released and realised by Daptone Records (who ingeniously recognised his talent) the album is soaked in the deepest, most pungent Soul I’ve ever heard. Breathtaking horn sections, warm strings, soulful percussions, lead by the raw, unfiltered, weathered voice of the main man himself.
No Time For Dreaming could have only been produced by someone of Bradley’s age, era and experiences. While many artists over the past few years have consciously attempted to capture the sound of a particular period in music (some very successfully e.g Amy Winehouse, Raphael Saadiq & Adele) it’s abundantly clear that for Bradley – this is all he knows. This is not formulaic, this is not throwback, it’s not a gimmick or a concept – it’s absolute. No Time For Dreaming was built on the shoulders of giants – James Brown, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye…
And it’s for these very reasons why I believe his struggle, however hard and however long, were not in vain. Some things take time, others take a little more time – I’m just thankful Charles Bradley found his.
Download ‘The World (Is Going Up In Flames)’ for free via Charles Bradley’s website.
No Time For Dreaming is out now.
[...] and with some incredible shows on offer, we were literally spoilt for choice. James Brown incarnate Charles Bradley was undoubtedly the most electrifying, awe-inspiring act on the bill – his performance at [...]
[...] with some incredible shows on offer, we were literally spoilt for choice. James Brown incarnate Charles Bradley was undoubtedly the most electrifying, awe-inspiring act on the bill – his performance at [...]