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.”
Sheldon was bitten by the blues as a teenager listening to BB King’s “Live at the Regal”. The soul of the music greeted him like an old friend and he knew he was home. When his guitar teacher, Steve Briggs (of Toronto’s famed Bebop Cowboys), handed him Joe Pass’ legendary “Virtuoso”, a life-long obsession was launched to fuse the harmonic depth of jazz with the soul and passion of blues.
Three years of jazz college gave Sheldon the opportunity to study under Vancouver legends like Oliver Gannon and Al Matheson. Years of playing the local scene led himto 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 CD, River of Soul, under Ruth’s name, and in 2008 they released their second, Livin’ This Way, under the Bradley/McGillivray Blues Band name.
Sheldon is the musical director of the Bradley/McGillivray Blues Band. His obsession with tone and melody 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”.
