Review – Cindy Bradley: Bloom
July 23, 2009 - New-York based trumpet player Cindy Bradley released her self-produced debut album “Just A Little Bit” in 2007. This album blended groovy tracks to nicely arranged soft sentimental tunes. And the recipe worked quite well, as this talented stage-oriented trumpet player made her way through the trumpet stage, mainly dominated by male performers.  This young artist holds a Bachelor degree in jazz studies and a Master degree in jazz performance. She has studied and worked with top jazz musicians such as John McNeil, Cecil McBee and Jerry Bergonzi.

Since 2007 Cindy Bradley’s career has blossomed.  James Lloyd, the keyboardist in the famous R&B/jazz fusion band Pieces of a Dream, and the band’s manager Dan Harmon gave the young trumpet player the opportunity to tour with them. Later another piece of her dream came true.

After contacting the label Trippin’n’Rhythm a few times without success, Warren Hill’s manager Jack Forchette took over the cause and that’s all it took. The label’s President Les Cutmore and SR VP Jeff Lunt eventually signed Bradley. Jeff Lunt got involved and oversaw the whole project, from handpicking the producer, putting together photo shoots and promotional shows.

And the result is “Bloom” and it’s top-notch. The musical architect behind this magnificent album is Grammy award winning producer Michael Broening, who has worked with George Benson, Marion Meadows, Jay Soto and Tim Bowman. He also co-authors the album’s ten tracks and performs keyboards as well as programming.

As Cindy Bradley put it: “Michael just did such an incredible job with this project. He is not only super talented and good at what he does, but he is one of the coolest, most down-to-earth, humble guys I have met in this business – and that is really key to getting the best out of any artist. He also chose a really great group of musicians to play on the recording”.

This stellar line up includes great jazz guitarists Tim Bowman, Freddie Fox and Thano Sahnas, first rate bassists Mel Brown, and Mario Mendivil, saxophonists Marion Meadows, Dominic Amato and Jaared and drum ace Tony Morra.

The title tunes unforgettable melody is enhanced by Tim Bowman on lead guitar. “Swing Set” is a mid-tempo tune that sticks to the bone with Bradley on flugelholrn.  “Curves Ahea” is just plain infectious and again showcases Bradley’s graceful musical curves on her trumpet packed with Michael Broening’s subtle keyboards and programming. Freddie Fox on guitar and Mel Brown also takes part to sculpting elegant curves on this track. It’s a favorite on the album. “Sycamore Soul” displays Bradley’s silky flugelhorn with the backing of Thano Sahnas‘s shining Spanish guitar reminding of Latin jazz fluid guitarist Marc Antoine. The funky side of Bradley comes up with the hook-laden “Uptown Drive” featuring Marion Meadow’s melodic groove on soprano and tenor saxophone.

“Catch the Wind” is an elegant mid tempo ballad. You will then get rooted on the bouncy “Solid Ground” featuring guitar sensation Jay Soto and Phoenix-born bassist Mario Mendivil. Before closing this great album, the trumpet lady again showcases her velvety sound with “Before I Go”.

Cindy Bradley’s second CD “Bloom” unambiguously confirms her status as the “trumpet’s Cinderell” thanks to the magical touch of producer Michael Broening. The trumpet lady will get out and perform this new music on tour with a newly formed band. So make sure not to miss Cindy! - By Akbar Nour

Cindy Bradley : Her talent Needs to be "Trumpeted"
September 30, 2007 - Normally, when you think of trumpet players, you will obviously quote famous male interpreters such as Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, Maceo Parker, etc. However, if you are asked to quote a female trumpet player, you will be stuck. So think of Cindy Bradley, a young New-York based musician, who holds a Bachelors degree in jazz studies and a Master degree in jazz performance. She's a dynamic trumpet performer, thanks to extensive tours with various jazz, latin, funk, rock and R&B groups. This stage-oriented artist has studied and worked with top jazz musicians such as John McNeil, Cecil McBee and Jerry Bergonzi. Bradley recently performed and toured with the famous New-York based bass ace Sly Geralds and with the great Philadelphia-based jazz band Pieces of a Dream.

Her debut album "Just a Little Bit" makes you want to listen to her funky sound more than "just a little bit". The CD entails 8 tracks : 5 are original compositions, 2 are written by trumpeter and composer John McNeil and the final one is a cover of Grover Washington Jr's, "Mr Magic" interpreted with great trumpet solo work by "Mrs. Magic" Cindy Bradley.

Cindy Bradley's debut album may pave the way for future female trumpet players. This debut album blends groovy tracks ("Pay Day", "After Awakening", "Just a Little Bit", "Out of Service", "Mr. Magic") to soft nicely arranged tunes ("For Him", "You Know What's Next", "Manhattan Rain").