Funk |
Rhapsody TV
August 29, 2011
Charles Bradley is a funk performer who busked around New York City for decades before Thomas Brenneck, leader of the Menahan Street Band, invited him to record some tracks. The result was years of 7-inches, including the widely acclaimed lament "The World (Is Going Up in Flames)" and then, finally, this debut album. Bradley is a James Brown throwback, and he sings in a raw scream on songs that burn with emotion, from "Golden Rule" to "How Long." As part of the Daptone crew, the Menahan Street Band know how to mute the retro-funk arrangements and let Bradley exorcise some demons.
Q&A Charles Bradley
Live from San Francisco's Outside Lands festival, here's our interview with soul belter Charles Bradley, holding forth on the majesty of James Brown and how Charles is coping with the tragic loss of his brother.
Enjoy.