Bradley Joseph

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Bradley Joseph

Background information
Born 1965
Willmar, Minnesota, USA
Genre(s) Contemporary instrumental
Adult contemporary (soft)
Smooth jazz
Occupation(s) Composer, arranger, producer, recording artist
Instrument(s) Piano, keyboards
Years active 1983 - present
Label(s) Robbins Island Music, Narada
Associated
acts		 Yanni, Sheena Easton
Website www.bradleyjoseph.com

Bradley Joseph, (born 1965, Willmar, Minnesota), is an American composer, pianist/keyboardist, arranger, and recording artist. He has spent many years performing on the international stage as keyboardist and co-musical director for Grammy-winner Sheena Easton with an appearance on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno", and featured keyboardist and composer-collaborator with Yanni through six major concert tours. He appears in the 1993 multi-platinum album and video, "Yanni Live at the Acropolis", and returned to the concert stage for Yanni's "Ethnicity" World Tour in 2003.[1]

A life-long quest for self expression led him to begin his own solo career in 1994, when he independently released "Hear the Masses" featuring several renowned guest artists. This debut album was then followed by "Rapture", released on the Narada label in 1997.[2] It was recorded with a 50-piece orchestra, drawing upon a lifetime of reflections and experiences. He now owns Robbins Island Music and has produced, performed, and distributed worldwide his next seven CDs and two piano books, with "Christmas Around the World" and "One Deep Breath" holding positions on “NAV’s Top 100” radio chart. He was also named one of the "Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans" (TOYM) of 2004.[3]

Joseph's musical landscapes range from original solo piano pieces to full-blown orchestral compositions and arrangements, comfortably reaching audiences of contemporary instrumental, easy listening, smooth jazz, new age, and classical music formats.

Contents

Bradley Joseph was born and raised in Willmar, Minnesota. With his father as an influence, he started playing classical piano at age eight. While playing in the jazz band in junior high, he took a concert field trip which left no doubt that music was the only possible path in his future: "I saw Buddy Rich perform, I sat in the first row and when Buddy's sax player stood up to take his first solo something just clicked - the world closed in around me. I felt the power of music and knew that it was something special, a gift to be shared."[4] He later played trombone, sax, and guitar with the jazz band and choir through high school and college, studying music at Moorhead State University. He then settled down to the piano and keyboards; coming of age as a musician in the Twin Cities' rock and roll scene, heading up many of his own bands.[5]

In 1988, Joseph caught the attention of contemporary instrumental artist, Yanni, via mutual friend, guitarist Dugan McNeill. When Yanni heard a demo tape of Joseph's compositions and arrangements, Joseph was hired to join his core band, replacing John Tesh.[6][7]

"Yanni Live at the Acropolis"
"Yanni Live at the Acropolis"

After moving to Los Angeles at age 23, he composed, arranged, and performed alongside Yanni for over six years, performing in-concert with a number of noted symphony orchestras, touring throughout the U.S. and abroad as Yanni was approaching the doorstep of worldwide fame.[8] Some of these early tours included the "Reflections of Passion", "Revolution in Sound", "Dare to Dream",[9] "Yanni Live, The Symphony Concerts" 1993 and 1994 concert tours, as well as performing in-concert in Germany that was broadcast throughout Europe and seen by 30 to 40 million viewers.[10] Joseph is also featured on the multi-platinum album and video, "Yanni Live at the Acropolis", the second best-selling music video of all time.[11] He later returned as a featured instrumentalist on Yanni's 2003 "Ethnicity World Tour".[12]

During this same time, Joseph also worked extensively in recording studios on music ranging from rock and pop to rhythm and blues and orchestration with numerous artists from RCA, Epic, Warner Brothers, and Polygram Records,[13] in addition to performing in an elaborate national keyboard show tour with various musicians.[14]

In between Yanni tours, Joseph performed with Grammy-winner, Sheena Easton, for five years as her co-musical director and lead keyboardist. "It was a great transition from Yanni because it made me musically aware again", he said in reference to Easton's R&B style. "I went back to where I started but it felt like a new invention."[5] Extensive tour venues with Sheena Easton included Japan, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, and the United States, as well as routine appearances in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. He also appeared with her on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" when she performed her new single at the time, "My Cheri".[15]

"I am a composer first and foremost, and have always believed that being able to write memorable melodies is what sets musicians apart."[4]

First release of "Hear the Masses", 1994
First release of "Hear the Masses", 1994

In 1994, between world tours, Joseph released his debut album, "Hear the Masses", a self-produced, self-published release under the More Core Records label. It consists of 10 original compositions ranging from upbeat piano to lush orchestral ballads. Joseph invited many of his Yanni bandmates to contribute including Charlie Adams (drums, percussion); Ric Fierabracci (fretless bass); Jeanette Clinger (vocals), and Grammy-winning violinist Charlie Bisharat whose virtuostic violin attracts attention in the driving opening song, "Rose Colored Glasses".[16] Other guest artists include Larry Preston (guitar), and Terry Brau, featured on numerous Bradley Joseph recordings, playing trumpet, saxophone and fluegelhorn.

Joseph's style on his debut album attracted the attention of major record label Narada Productions, a Virgin Records subsidiary. This resulted in "Rapture", released in March 1997.[17] Joseph wrote and conducted all of the scores, bringing in a 50-piece orchestra to help bring his musical vision to life. "Rapture" features intimate piano pieces, quartets, and full orchestrations, combining smooth jazz with contemporary instrumental themes. In addition, one of Joseph's compositions, "The Glen", was written for the album "Stories", a Narada Artist Collection, and is now also featured on "20 Years of Narada Piano". His work is included in other Narada compilation projects as well.

An artist in constant evolution, Joseph started his own record label in 1998, Robbins Island Music, composing, producing, recording, and distributing to a world-wide audience. His third album then, "Solo Journey", signifying his independence, was released in 1999, consisting of 11 original solo piano compositions.[18] Later releases include "Christmas Around the World" reaching NAV's top 100 radio playlist;[19] and "One Deep Breath",[20][21] also holding a position on NAV's top 100 radio chart for over six months.[22] Bill Binkelman of Wind and Wire Magazine writes that "One Deep Breath" departs dramatically from the previous more explosive and dynamic music on his first two recordings, having two separate "personalities": piano and keyboard-based ambient/new age soundscapes and more adult contemporary/classically-flavored songs.[23] The vocal expressions by Clystie Whang and Joseph have devotional qualities that weave through the atmospheres and soundscapes smoothly, according to Jim Brenholts of All Music Guide.[24]

"The Journey Continues", released 01 November 2003
"The Journey Continues", released 01 November 2003

He wrote his next album after sound checks during Yanni's "Ethnicity" tour resulting in "The Journey Continues" featuring Joseph on solo piano and voted as one of the top 15 recordings of 2003 by Michael Debbage, reviewer for Wind and Wire Magazine.[25]

Orange Music, located in Singapore, released two Bradley Joseph compilation CDs; "The Road Ahead" and "In the Heart of Everyone",[26] in addition to re-releasing his "Christmas Around the World" album, all being distributed throughout Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia.[27] More recent releases include "For the Love of It" and "Piano Love Songs" in which Joseph uses piano, orchestra, and soft rhythms to cover popular enduring melodies such as "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" (Burt Bacharach), and "Fields of Gold" (Sting}. Additionally, a DVD by was released using Joseph's music throughout, "Isle Royale Impressions Volume II", containing video footage by Carl TerHaar of scenery and wildlife from the Isle Royale National Park in Michigan.[28] His music can be heard in regular rotation in the United States and Canada by more than 160 major radio networks including XM Satellite Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, as well as in Japan, United Kingdom, Spain, China, South-East Asia, Germany, Switzerland, and Russia.[29][30]

Bradley Joseph's musical style is distinguished by a clear focus of melodic construction; its polyrhythmic, or layered, character; and wide emotional range. His compositions are diverse, notable for the freedom and variety of their structural design and technical challenges. His composing technique employs many difficult key and time signatures to enhance his emotive delivery. The range of ways in which he utilizes synthesizers is equally as characteristic, inspired early in life by keyboard-oriented pop/rock bands like Styx and Journey.[4] He writes from a two person standpoint, letting the song take hold, putting down the idea as a raw emotional statement. Then he lets it breathe and come back, approaching from a more objective point of view, allowing him to rediscover the true meaning he intended in the beginning, shedding new light on how he can best represent that to the listener.[31] As an artist, Joseph has a keen ability to write inspiring music with appropriately titled songs that express that thought non-verbally, states Michael Debbage of Wind and Wire Magazine.[32]

His musical style and direction changes over time. Many of his recordings offer uptempo lushly-arranged orchestral melodies while others are considered to be a scaled-down introspective, stripped back and basic, his solo piano pieces being more personal and topical. There is color in the songs via their understated melodies.[32] Others reflect a more naked bare-boned ballad approach, such as in "A Minnesota Snowfall".[33] His style can also take on an improvisatory form, such as can be heard in the confidant "Within A Painting" which has Joseph freely fluttering on the piano.[32] He often reaches back into the past when he names his songs and his music is often reminiscent of his rural Minnesota roots. "Wind Farmer" was inspired by childhood visits to a relative's farm near Olivia, and his company, Robbins Island Music, is named after a city park in Willmar.[34] Joseph's music is most often described as soft adult contemporary or contemporary instrumental, smooth jazz, easy listening, and at times a piano-led more minimal approach to new age music.[23]

Some examples of equipment used: Korg M1, Korg SG-1, Korg Triton; Roland JD-800, Roland JV-1080; Yamaha SY-22 and Yamaha TG-77; E-mu Proteus 1, Proteus 2, and E-5000; Alesis D4.[31]

Bradley Joseph was named one of the "Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans" (TOYM) of 2004.[35] The award honors individuals across the state under 40 who make a positive impact on their community. Past recipients include Mark Dayton, Paul Douglas, Marlene Johnson, Walter Mondale, Martin Sabo, Dave Winfield, Tim Penny, Matt Blair, and Wheelock Whitney.

1. Hear the Masses
(1994)
2. Rapture
(1997)
3. Solo Journey
(1999)
4. Christmas Around the World
(2000)
5. One Deep Breath
(2002)
6. The Journey Continues
(2003)
7. While You Are Gone
(2004)
8. For the Love of It
(2005)
9. Piano Love Songs
(2006)

Date of
release		 Title Artist Label
1993 In My Time Yanni Private Music
1994 Yanni Live at the Acropolis Yanni Private Music
1997 Grand Piano (Narada Anniversary Collection) Various Narada
1997 Narada Smooth Jazz Various Narada
1997 New Age Music & New Sounds Vol. 67 - "Liberty" Various Oreade Music
1997 The Next Generation - Narada Sampler Various Narada
1998 Stories (Narada Artist Collection) Various Narada
2001 20 Years of Narada Piano Various Narada

  1. ^ Article: "Metro People Bradley Joseph", St. Paul Pioneer Press, 2004-09-15.
  2. ^ Review: "Rapture" at Planet Earth Music. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  3. ^ Article: Drey, Patricia. "WBL Composer Named Outstanding Young Minnesotan", White Bear Press, 2004-09-15.
  4. ^ a b c Quote: Official Bio. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  5. ^ a b Article: Mikelson, Terry. "Joseph Has Encountered Fame", Brainerd Dispatch, 1999-07-15.
  6. ^ Yanni; Rensin, David (2002). Yanni in Words. Miramax Books, 123,202. 1-4013-5194-8. 
  7. ^ Bio from Reflections. Retrieved on 2006-12-21. an unofficial Yanni fan page
  8. ^ Article: "Bradley Joseph to play for Concerts in the Park", Brainerd Dispatch, 1999-07-08.
  9. ^ Bio from: (1993) Yanni Live, The Symphony Concerts 1993 - Official concert program. 
  10. ^ Article: Miller, Gary. "Heeeeeere's Bradley", West Central Tribune, 1995-03-21.
  11. ^ Yanni Career Highlights (PDF). Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  12. ^ Bio from: (2003) Ethnicity World Tour 2003-2004 - Official concert program. 
  13. ^ Bio from: (1994) Yanni Live, The Symphony Concerts 1994 - Official concert program. 
  14. ^ Bio from: (1992) Dare to Dream - Official concert program. 
  15. ^ Article: Miller, Gary. "Joseph 'Tonight Show'", West Central Tribune, 1995-03-24.
  16. ^ Review: "Hear the Masses" at Music Outfitters. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  17. ^ Mention: Billboard Magazine. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  18. ^ Review: Parsons, Kathy. "Solo Journey" at Solo Piano Publications. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  19. ^ New Age Voice, currently New Age Reporter. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  20. ^ Review: Parsons, Kathy. "One Deep Breath" at Solo Piano Publications. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  21. ^ Review: "One Deep Breath" at Instrumental Weekly. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  22. ^ 2002 New Age Voice Top 100 Radio Chart. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  23. ^ a b Review: Binkelman, Bill. "One Deep Breath" at Wind and Wire Magazine. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  24. ^ Review: Brenholts, Jim. "One Deep Breath" at All Music Guide. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  25. ^ Wind and Wire Magazine (best of 2003). Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  26. ^ Review: Yeoh Wee Teck. "In the Heart of Everyone" at "The News Paper" (Singapore). Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  27. ^ Catalog: Orange Music. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  28. ^ Catalog: IRNHA. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  29. ^ XM Satellite Radio playlist. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  30. ^ Sirius Satellite Radio playlist. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  31. ^ a b Interview: Wheeler, Fred. Indie Journal. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  32. ^ a b c Review: Debbage, Michael. "The Journey Continues" at Wind and Wire Magazine. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  33. ^ Review: Debbage, Michael. "Christmas Around the World" at Wind and Wire Magazine. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  34. ^ Showcase article: Polta, Anne. "Continuing Journey: Bradley Joseph sustains music career with songwriting, recording", West Central Tribune, 2007-02-08. Retrieved on 2007-02-18.
  35. ^ TOYM Award. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.

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Official

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 v • d • e Bradley Joseph
Studio albums
Hear the Masses | Rapture | Solo Journey | Christmas Around the World |
One Deep Breath |The Journey Continues | While You Are Gone |
For the Love of It |Piano Love Songs
Compilation albums
The Road Ahead | In the Heart of Everyone
Singles
"The Glen"
Persondata
NAME Joseph, Bradley
ALTERNATIVE NAMES
SHORT DESCRIPTION Composer, pianist, keyboardist, arranger, producer, recording artist
DATE OF BIRTH 1965
PLACE OF BIRTH Willmar, Minnesota, USA
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org../../../b/r/a/Bradley_Joseph_35ad.html"
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