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Sat, January 17
The KHIGH Rising Star Showcase
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Willie Bradley was in the midst of recording a project with his contemporary jazz/funk band Essential Elements when an extraordinary opportunity to do a solo project inspired him to take his career in a new direction. The Fayetteville, NC-based trumpeter with 'Heart 'N' Soul' invited several young urban jazz sensations, including saxophonist Marcus Anderson and keyboardist Nicholas Cole, to join him for one his regular gigs at the Holiday Inn.
From that encounter, a collaboration with Nicholas Cole has produced 10 edgy, urban jazz flavored tracks which are the essence of Willie Bradley's solo debut, 'Another Day & Time'. Bradley features a cast of respected players including saxmen Jeff Kashiwa and Marcus Anderson, guitarist Kay-Ta Matsuno and bassist John Dillard.
The title track single was well received earlier this year at radio and the current single, Bradley's interpretation of the Bobby Caldwell classic 'What You Won't Do For Love', gets a boost from fellow trumpeter Lin Rountree and is most added on the Billboard, Groove Jazz and Smooth Jazz.com radio charts.
This rising star has deep roots in jazz, having performed with icons including Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Max Roach, Betty Carter and Nat Adderley among others. Bradley's total command of his instrument is also evident onstage with RJ & The Original James Brown Band.
Referring to the pairing as "a unique generation gap between an artist emerging into the spotlight after many years...and a dynamic teen who is way ahead of his time, Willie Bradley and Nicholas Cole truly represent Another Day & Time in contemporary jazz – one every fan of the genre will want to experience.” – Jonathan Widran