What is the recipe for a successful album? Elect
Jeff Lorber as your executing producer, write some intelligent
arrangements and let them play by musicians like Dave Koz, Eric
Marienthal, Rick Braun, Dwight Sills, Michael Thompson, Alex Al, Nate
Phillips, Tony Moore, Dave Weckl, David Mann and Irene B.
Southern California native Patrick Bradley uses
this recipe for his second album Under The Sun, which was released April 26th, 2011. Patrick comments: “The idea
behind this record is to enjoy life and celebrate all it offers during
the brief time we have under the sun. No matter what life dishes up,
we should keep our dreams alive and pursue our passion, hopes and
aspirations.
The last few years have been challenging for all of
us as we find ourselves in times of change and uncertainty. Seasons of
change hit home for me personally when my parents passed away. I found
myself in a period of reflection. These songs were written in times of
joy, sorrow and triumph, yet with an eye on eternity. Life is speeding
by. My hope is that we all will take the time to prioritize and tend
to the important things and important people and relationships, and
not just chase the mad pursuits of this life.”
Following this spirit the album starts with
Straight Path. Patrick's melody run is echoed by David Mann's horns.
Jeff Lorber adds some delicate Rhodes phrases. Patrick dedicates the
following song Into The Sunset to his wife. The easy going song
symbolizes his hope for liberation of all troubles and pursuits.
Patrick developed the dynamic theme of A Message
with Lorber's help from some raw music material he previously
recorded. The magic of Just Let Go bases on Dave Koz sax
mastery and Irene B's sultry vocal participation. Easy riding the road
with your cycle. This feeling of freedom, freshness and swiftness is
all to find in Slipstream featuring Rick Braun on muted trumpet
and flugelhorn.
Live life to the fullest is the message of the
speedy Time And Chance with a grandiose interaction of Lorber on
Rhodes, Patrick on organ and David's horns in between. Crows On The
Lawn showcases Eric Marienthal in a horn propelled piece with
organ application. Patrick wrote Tears From The Sky for his
dad, who passed away on Patrick's birthday followed months later by
his mother. The song is full of sadness and melancholy, but also full
of inner peace and trust.
With the uplifting Rush Street
Patrick assimilates his memories and imaginations of Chicago, where he
lived for four years. On the title song Patrick and Jeff share their
brilliant skills on organ, moog and everything else with keys. The
Empress Of Dalmatia reminds of the great 70's concept albums of
Emerson, Lake and Palmer (Pictures of An Exhibition) revealing
the beauty of the Dalmatian city of Dubrovnik overlooking the
shimmering Adriatic Sea.
Under The Sun is an homogeneous fusion jazz
album of Patrick Bradley, a blessed composer and musician, and the
fusion jazz expert par excellence Jeff Lorber. Compared to other
Lorber productions Patrick knows to show his own signature sound, that
makes his album so unique.