Bob Bradshaw

Praise for the new album ‘Live In Boston’!

Country Music People Magazine’s Michael Hingston says: “Bradshaw is a fabulous storyteller, and his songs encompass a broad range of Americana influences.”
Guido Giazzi of Buscadero (Italy) writes: “The lyrics reveal a good dose of humor and narrative skills” and says the album is a “masterfully managed production.”
Paul McGee from Lonesome Highway calls the album “a bright and compelling look back through Bradshaw’s catalogue”.
Remo Ricaldone, writing in Roots Highway says that the album "... has an urgency that is overall successful, coloring with new tones songs that were already appreciable in the original, celebrating a style that has seen the literary aspect strengthened, full of introspective depth and also humor, a style presented with sagacity in the previous ten albums that have led him to enjoy good consideration in the 'American' context. The sounds here are definitely spot on with the presence of a pair of top-notch guitarists Andrew Stern and Andy Santospago who adds a country touch with the insertions of pedal steel and lap steel, supported by a robust rhythm section made up of Mike Connors on drums and John Sheeran's on bass, with James Rohr's keyboards contributing to the success of arrangements that are sometimes complex, but always incisive and effective."
David White of RnR Magazine says: "Bradshaw’s songs are engaging musical short stories’. Opener 'Talkin' About My Love For You' is a resonant, guitar-driven introduction while elsewhere 'Everybody's Smalltime Now', the humorous 'Sideways' and poignant 'Exotic Dancers Wanted' are further fine examples of this singer-songwriter's craft."
Peter Burns of ReviewIndie writes: “What makes ‘Live In Boston’ truly special is its authenticity. Bradshaw’s warm and charismatic voice commands attention, effortlessly drawing listeners into his world of rich stories and evocative melodies."
Dani Heyvaert from Rootstime (Belgium) writes: "If there is one thing you can say about Bob Bradshaw, it is that he is a very original songwriter, who is not at all easy to pigeonhole. I have already written in the past very positive words about Bob Bradshaw, but it must be said again: this gentleman is a giant when it comes to songwriting and with this “two-in-one” record he hits the nail right on the head: you cannot possibly remain unmoved by this and anyone who does not take me at my word should just listen to “Somebody Told me a Lie” or “High on our own Supply”. Top class!"
Dave Franklin from Dancing About Architecture writes:
“If the regular studio album allows a band to show off their ability to polish and perfect their music, and a live album is more about capturing a fleeting moment, then Bob Bradshaw’s ‘Live In Boston’ is the best of both worlds. Recorded live, as it happened, but in a studio setting, the music mixes control and spontaneity to achieve the perfect feel.”
Samuel Fredrickson, writing is Planet Singer says:
“Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Bradshaw’s music, ‘Live in Boston’ is an unmissable release that showcases his exceptional talent as a songwriter, performer, and bandleader.”
Buddy Nelson, in Jamsphere writes: “A love letter to live performance, ‘Live In Boston’ is proof that music, at its best, is raw, honest, and alive.”
Wolf Georgia, in Music Farmer writes: “This isn’t just a live album—it’s a moment in time, frozen with all its imperfections, rawness, and beauty intact. Bradshaw has created something that doesn’t just document his artistry—it cements it. ‘Live in Boston’ is a record to be played, revisited, and cherished, a perfect example of what happens when a masterful songwriter steps into a room with a band that knows exactly how to bring his vision to life.”
And Philip Verhaege, from Keys and Chords writes: Bradshaw’s warm and charismatic voice commands attention, effortlessly drawing listeners into his world of rich stories and evocative melodies."

After releasing ten albums of original songs, Boston-based musician Bob Bradshaw has mixed things up with his eleventh release: ‘Bob Bradshaw Live In Boston’ - 13 songs fine-tuned and reimagined from the many shows he has played in the bars and clubs of New York, San Francisco and Boston.

Bradshaw has been noted for his wordplay, but he likens his approach to lyrics as more akin to painting than to writing. He uses images, characters, snatches of dialogue, a dab of color here and a dab of color there (‘The Art Of Feeling Blue’ and ‘The Wearing Of The Black’ are two recent songs, there’s a song called ‘Blue’, and even a song title with TWO colors: ‘Ruby Black’). So when it came time to reimagine these songs, the word ‘pentimento’ came to mind - a term used in art to describe an artist making changes to a painting while it’s in process, or when an earlier version becomes visible while being painted over. This can result from the artist seeing again what he may have missed in the original work. When he revisited ‘Material for the Blues,’ which originally appeared on his 2017 album American Echoes, he realized it felt like a new song, one that he didn’t quite know how to sing right the first time round but had since reconsidered. 

“I owe a debt to my songwriting heroes – John Hiatt, Nick Lowe and Guy Clark”, Bradshaw says. “I've tried to emulate their use of humor and storytelling in the lyrics, while the music reflects my interest in a wide range of Americana: from the countrypolitan sweep of ‘Albuquerque’ to the rock and roll of ‘Hot In The Kitchen’; from the heartfelt folk of ‘Material For The Blues’ to the guitar-driven roots-rock of ‘Talkin’ About My Love For You'.”

Irish-born Bradshaw began his musical journey as a street performer in Europe, living mostly in Germany and Portugal. In the early 90s he found himself in San Francisco, becoming bandleader of the noted roots/folk-rock group ‘Resident Aliens’, before moving east to enroll at the Berklee College of Music, where he graduated in 2009. Bradshaw has earned widespread praise for his Americana songs and recordings. Folk Radio UK  has called him a “masterful storyteller”, No Depression hailed his tunes as “instant classics” while The Telegraph UK, lauded his writing as “wonderfully atmospheric,” and The Patriot Ledger declared, “Bradshaw is an exceptional songwriter.”

‘Live In Boston’ was recorded in a single day at Q Division Studios, Massachusetts by Rafi Sofer. Dave Westner mixed the album, and Adam Ayan mastered it. Bradshaw is on vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, accompanied by Andrew Stern (electric guitar), Andy Santospago (electric and steel guitars), James Rohr (keyboards), John Sheeran (bass) and Mike Connors (drums).

‘The Art Of Feeling Blue’ is now available on vinyl and CD. CDs: $12, includes shipping, anywhere in the States. Vinyl: $25 anywhere in the States. For countries outside the US, contact me and we'll figure something out. All enquiries to: Bob@bobbradshaw.net.

From the reviews of ‘The Art Of Feeling Blue’: 

“One of the most consistently inventive songwriters in the Americana music genre” - Jay Miller, Patriot Ledger 

“... a masterful storyteller” – Folk Radio UK 

“Brilliant… an impressive album of nuances and smart turns” – Dancing About Architecture 

“Strong, intriguing melodies and bold arrangements” – Vintage Guitar Magazine 

“… full of great moments, sharply written songs, excellent musicianship and dynamic production” - Paul McGee, Lonesome Highway 

“…  a sparkling album… beautiful melodies… above all, the smooth voice of my new hero Bob Bradshaw” - Cees Brownsveld, HeavenMagazineNL

“Bradshaw has released a steady string of gritty, intense roots-music records” - Stuart Munro, Boston Globe 

“There’s a huge amount of variety across the album as well as a sense that you’re never too far away from another pleasant surprise” – Allan McKay, Music Riot 

"A mature and passionate album" - Remo Ricaldone, Lonestartime 

“I’ve heard the record’s dozen songs seven or eight times now, and time and time again I find myself enthralled for the full 45 minutes. I heartily recommend this album to lovers of songs and stories with an edge to them” – Dani Heyvaert, Rootstime 

“As good as this record is — and like all of Bob Bradshaw’s work, it is superb — it’s not just about the individual songs. It’s about the escape that it provides, literally given his plans to perform it live, “The Art Of Feeling Blue” is a cathartic experience” – Maximum Volume Music 

“The Art Of Feeling Blue is a timeless record and a highlight in the oeuvre of an Irishman who has found his home in America. Listen to this disc with twelve pearls” - Jaks Schuit, Real Roots Café 

“Strong melodies wedded to tightly constructed, literate vignettes with powerful emotional components” – Jeff Burger, Americana Highways

“The Art Of Feeling Blue has earned Bob Bradshaw a place in Americana's first division” - Peter Marinus, BluestownMusicNL

“Cinematic and consistently inventive” - Kimberly Bright, Pennyblack Music UK

“Beautiful” - AltCountryNL