Hip, grit, power and tenderness–Bradley/McGillivray Blues is one of Vancouver’s live music treasures, fusing blues, jazz, funk and gospel into their signature brand of soul.
Ruth McGillivray’s knock-you-flat vocals are a force to be reckoned with. Tastefully interwoven with Sheldon Bradley’s unique blend of citified jazz and gritty blues, these two will will slay you one moment and break your country heart the next. The whole sound is rounded out by an inventive rhythm section featuring funk-masters Paul Freeman on bass, and Hoto Parker on drums and percussion.
For Bradley/McGillivray, the blues are more about attitude and resilience than genre. Influenced by artists as diverse as BB King, Jon Cleary, Janis Joplin, Merle Haggard, Aretha Franklin and Etta James, they showcase an eclectic repertoire of original music and fresh takes on old favourites. They’re tight and polished, but connection trumps script–expect warmth, laughter and authenticity in every show. A band of music lovers for an audience of music lovers.
The band’s debut CD, River of Soul, was released in September 2003 and featured their first collection of original material. It received critical acclaim, 4-star reviews, and a nomination in the Jazz/Blues category of the Shai Awards. Their second CD, Livin’ This Way, was released in 2008. Produced in Vancouver, B.C. by award-winning producer Bill Buckingham, Living’ This Way features nine original tunes, a unique, signature version of Tennessee Waltz, and an interpretation of Piece of My Heart of which Tom Harrison of the Vancouver Province said Ruth “makes the song her own”. Both Canadian Musician and Real Blues Magazine cited Livin’ This Way as “one of the best Canadian blues albums of 2008.” Their third album, Snapshot (2017), features blues, funk and soul classics peppered with Bradley/McGillivray signature twists.
Impressed as much by the life of Etta James as her music, Bradley/McGillivray recently began performing Echoes of Etta, a show they created that weaves the story of her life through their own arrangements of featured tunes from her songbook. They return to the studio in 2020 to record several signature songs from that show for the Cellar Live jazz label.
Our Peeps
Ruth McGillivray
Vocal
One of the most surprising secrets in today’s Canadian blues scene is the voice and presence of Ruth McGillivray. Simply stated, she’s an amazing talent. Her deep, rich tone turns heads when she starts to sing, but it’s the emotion that stops people in their tracks–she’ll take you from aching tenderness to power and fury in about a bar and a half.
The electricity, freedom, and honesty in her delivery are reminiscent of Janis Joplin. She does it for love and the audience can tell. Tom Harrison of The Vancouver Sun says of her signature rendition of Piece of My Heart, “She makes the song her own.”
Sheldon Bradley
Guitar
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. A consummate student of music, he’s always learning and exploring different genres, musical styles and instruments. He loves to share his wealth of knowledge about music, artists and gear with any musician or music lover.
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, yet remaining true to the intent of the song. Doug Gallant of Canadian Musician referred to him as “a very fluid, very natural player.”
Paul Freeman
Bass
Paul Freeman’s funk, finesse and ease on stage come from a lifetime of performance in show bands, big bands, and 10+ years grooving with Hoto in Bradley/McGillivray.
Paul was an original member of the Keiron Anderson Orchestra, one of England’s premier showbands throughout the late 70’s and 80’s. The band travelled extensively around the world with contracts taking them to the Middle East, Scandinavia and South Africa, backing many household names. A long term association with Cunard Cruise Line extended their international experience to include North and South America and the Mediterranean. This eventually lead to a residency in Southern Spain where the band owned and operated their own night club until Paul immigrated to Canada in the mid-90’s.
Hoto
Drums & Vocals
Hoto has been playing professionally for twenty-three years including stints with late-90’s Vancouver pop-phenom Fools Parade. A graduate of Capilano College’ s jazz program, Hoto is a versatile player having spent time on the country, jazz and hard rock circuits. He is most at home layin’ down the funk and co-founded Vancouver’s Personal Funk Device in the late 90s. Hoto is grateful for the opportunity to have played with countless great artists on the Vancouver scene.
People Get Ready // The Bradley McGillivray Blues - Snapshot
People Get Ready // The Bradley McGillivray Blues - Snapshot
That’s What Love Will Make You Do // The Bradley McGillivray Blues - Snapshot
Come On In My Kitchen // The Bradley McGillivray Blues - Snapshot
Don’t Try To Explain // The Bradley McGillivray Blues - Snapshot
You Can’t Always Get What You Want // The Bradley McGillivray Blues - Snapshot
You’re No Good // The Bradley McGillivray Blues - Snapshot
Fine And Mellow // The Bradley McGillivray Blues - Snapshot
Chain of Fools // The Bradley McGillivray Blues - Snapshot
I’d Rather Go Blind // The Bradley McGillivray Blues - Snapshot
I Can’t Hold Out // The Bradley McGillivray Blues - Snapshot