SHELDON BRADLEY - Guitar

By all rights, Sheldon Bradley should be in rehab somewhere. He has a chronic condition that would certainly keep the average person from functioning productively. It’s called OCMB—Obsessive Compulsive Music Brain.

The first attack hit when he was a teenager listening to BB King’s “Live at the Regal”. The soul of the blues greeted him like an old friend and he knew he was home. The second attack came when his guitar teacher, Steve Briggs, fresh out of Berkley (now of Toronto’s famed Bebop Cowboys), handed him Joe Pass’ legendary “Virtuoso”. He became obsessed with fusing the rich harmonic depth of jazz with the soul and passion of the blues.

Sheldon’s obsession took him to jazz college for three years, where he studied under Vancouver legends like Oliver Gannon and Al Matheson. Years of playing the local scene led Sheldon to audition for a band fronted by singer Ruth McGillivray. They discovered a mutual interest in songwriting and began writing and performing together as a duo. In 2003 they released their first independent CD, River of Soul, under Ruth’s name.

Sheldon is now the musical director of the Bradley McGillivray Blues Band, and a second CD featuring his guitar work is due for release in Fall 2007. His OCMB has driven him to study the work of genre-bending artists like Robben Ford, Warren Haynes and Kevin Breitt, without forgetting masters like Wes Montgomery, Grant Green and Kenny Burrell. His own voice is emerging and he calls it “jazz-influenced blues”.

Sheldon’s mesmerizing solos, funky rhythm and voicings are created through groove and improvisation. When he’s in the zone, he takes listeners on a musical journey full of unexpected twists and turns, while staying true to the intent of the song.

In an ocean of chops-driven guitar slingers, Sheldon’s skill as a songwriter, arranger and accompanist makes him stand out as a complete musician. As a consummate student of music, he’s always learning and exploring different genres, musical styles and instruments. Sheldon’s latest attack of OCMB has led him to study with legendary guitarist and educator, Don Mock.

Sheldon doesn’t just keep his OCMB to himself. He loves to share his wealth of knowledge about music, artists and gear with any musician or music lover.

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