Bradley Joseph

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Bradley Joseph
Bradley Joseph

Bradley Joseph (born in 1965) is a composer, arranger, and recording artist. He has performed on the international stage for many years as lead keyboardist and musical director for artists such as Grammy-winner Sheena Easton, with whom he appeared on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno"; and Yanni, for whom he is featured on the multi-platinum music video, "Yanni Live at the Acropolis". This video is documented to be the second best-selling music video of all time and has also proven to be one of PBS' best fundraisers. He returned to the concert stage in 2003 for Yanni's "Ethnicity" World Tour.

He began 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, and recorded with a 50-piece orchestra. He now owns Robbins Island Music and has produced, performed, and distributed worldwide his next 15 CDs/DVDs and multiple piano books, with "Christmas Around the World" and "One Deep Breath" holding positions on “NAV’s Top 100” radio chart. He was named one of the "Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans" of 2004 by the Minnesota Jaycees, and was presented the "WPS Foundation Arts and Academics Hallmarks of Pride" award in April 2008. [1]

His musical landscapes comfortably reach audiences of contemporary instrumental, easy listening, pop, smooth jazz, new age, and classical music formats, ranging from solo piano to full-blown orchestral compositions. Bradley Joseph's music can be heard in regular rotation throughout the United States and Canada by more than 160 major radio networks including XM Satellite Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, and also in Japan, United Kingdom, Spain, Switzerland, China, South-East Asia, Germany, and Russia. His compositions can be heard on The Weather Channel "Local on the 8s" segments and his song "Friday's Child" is included in their 2008 compilation release, The Weather Channel Presents: Smooth Jazz II.

Page contents

History

Bradley Joseph was born and raised in Willmar, Minnesota. With his father as an influence, he started playing piano at age 8, and by 13 knew that composing and performance were his life's ambition. He played piano with the jazz band and choir, as well as playing the trombone, sax, and guitar 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.

Screenshots from the 1993 concert film, Yanni Live at the Acropolis.
Screenshots from the 1993 concert film, Yanni Live at the Acropolis.

In 1988, Joseph caught the attention of New Age artist, Yanni, via mutual friend, guitarist Dugan McNeill. When Yanni heard a demo tape of Joseph's compositions and arrangements, Joseph was hired, sight unseen, to replace John Tesh in his core band. [1][2] After moving to Los Angeles at age 23, Joseph composed, arranged, and performed alongside Yanni for over six years as his lead keyboardist and composer-collaborator, touring throughout the United States and abroad as Yanni was approaching the doorstep of worldwide fame. Some of these early tours included the "Reflections of Passion", "Revolution in Sound", "Dare to Dream", "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. Joseph is also featured on the 10 x platinum album and video, "Yanni Live at the Acropolis", the second best-selling music video of all time. [3] This video was broadcast on PBS all over the country and has proven to be one of their best fund-raisers.

Additionally, 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". [4] 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".

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 orchestral ballads. Joseph invited many of his Yanni bandmates to contribute including Ric Fierabracci (fretless bass); Charlie Adams (drums, percussion); and Jeanette Clinger (background vocals); as well as Grammy-winning violinist Charlie Bisharat whose virtuostic violin attracts attention in the driving opening song, "Rose Colored Classes". Bisharat is also featured on John Tesh's concert video, "Live at Red Rocks", and is a veteran of numerous blockbuster movie soundtracks. Other guest artists include Larry Preston (guitar) and Terry Brau who is featured on numerous Bradley Joseph recordings playing trumpet, saxophone, and fluegelhorn.

"Rapture"
"Rapture"

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. Joseph wrote and conducted all of the scores, bringing in a 50-piece orchestra to help bring his musical vision to life, painting vibrant portraits, both emotional and spiritual. "Rapture" features intimate piano pieces, quartets, and full orchestrations, combining smooth jazz with contemporary instrumental themes. In addition, one of Joseph's compostions, "The Glen", was written for the album "Stories", a Narada Artist Collection, and is now also featured on "20 Years of Narada Piano". His compositions are included in other Narada compilation projects as well.

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. Later releases include "Christmas Around the World", reaching NAV's top 100 radio playlist; and "One Deep Breath", also holding a position on NAV's Top 100 Radio Chart for over six months. 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, "Hear The Masses" and "Rapture", having two separate "personalities": piano and keyboard-based ambient/new age soundscapes and more adult contemporary/classically-flavored songs.[2]

"Musically I try to connect a common bridge between such exhilarating feelings as performing at the Acropolis, to the emotions each and every one of us feel every day".[6]

In 2003, Joseph returned as a featured instrumentalist on Yanni's "Ethnicity World Tour", his 6th concert tour with Yanni, performing to over 500,000 people on the world's grandest stages, including Madison Square Garden and The Hollywood Bowl. Billboard Magazine ranked it the 4th largest concert tour of the year. He wrote his next album after sound checks on these great stages resulting in "The Journey Continues" featuring Joseph on solo piano and was voted as one of the Top 15 recordingsof 2003 by Michael Debbage, reviewer for Wind and Wire Magazine. Debbage writes, "One strength of Bradley Joseph as an artist has been his keen ability to write inspiring music with appropriately titled songs that express that thought non-verbally".[3] Orange Music, located in Singapore, released two Bradley Joseph compilation CDs; "The Road Ahead", and "In The Heart of Everyone", in addition to re-releasing his "Christmas Around the World" album, all being distributed throughout Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia. The compilations have select songs taken from Joseph's "One Deep Breath", "Solo Journey", "The Journey Continues", and "Hear The Masses". In a review by Yeoh Wee Teck, he states "Instead of attempting to fuse elements of different cultures like everyone else, he chose to rely on what he knows best - simple arrangements with assured piano playing".

"For the Love of It"
"For the Love of It"

In his 8th release, "For the Love of It", Joseph blends medium paced piano with soft rhythms and orchestrations and contains reminders of Joseph's past musical experience incorporating melodies of songs he grew up learning and performing. "Before I was busy with world tours, recording studios, and promotional appearances, there was a time when I played piano just "For the Love of It". [8] In 2006 Joseph released the album, "Piano Love Songs", soft classic love songs performed on the piano, covering popular melodies such as "Unforgettable" and "The Wedding Song (There is Love)", as well as containing a new composition, "Forever I Do". Additionally, a DVD was released using Joseph's music throughout, "Isle Royale Impressions Volume II", by Carl TerHaar, containing footage of scenery and wildlife from the Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. He has produced numerous CD and DVD projects designed for pets in a "While You Are Gone" series. "Hymns and Spiritual Songs" is an album released in 2007 and features inspiration songs such as "Amazing Grace" and "Rock of Ages", performed on the piano with soft orchestra.

Thoughts on success as an independent artist

Having experienced both avenues of recording on a major label and later choosing to be an independent artist, a combination of musicianship with business know-how has helped give Joseph staying power in the notoriously competitive world of music. He spends most of his time writing songs, composing arrangements, making recordings, and publishing and distributing his works. "I’m my own boss. I can do what I want. I can change directions", he told West Central Tribune's Anne Polta. [12]As an independent, business is a prime concern and can take over if not controlled, Joseph said.[8] "A lot of musicians don’t learn the business. You just have to be well-rounded in both areas. You have to understand publishing. You have to understand how you make money, what’s in demand, what helps you make the most out of your talent." "I couldn’t license my music if it wasn’t mine", he said. "It has allowed me to create CDs. It separates you from the million other great players."[21]

But some artists just want to be involved in the music and do not like the added problems or have the personality to work with both. Joseph suggests newer artists read and study both courses and pick one that best suits their needs and wants. He advises, "...to keep your eyes and ears open all the time. All the information you need is available to you to have a successful career in music, if you're paying attention, and not closed off to anything." "Perseverance is King."[8] When asked by Wheeler what brought him back to Minnesota after living in Los Angeles and traveling around the world, Joseph replied, "The first thing business people say is 'First and foremost, if you want to be successful, live where you want to live'." He grew up there and family were important to him. When he decided to become a solo artist he wanted to be comfortable in his environment and moved back.[8]

Bradley Joseph was named one of the "Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans" (TOYM) of 2004. The award honors individuals across the state under 40 who make a positive impact on their community. Those chosen must demonstrate excellence in three of several areas including social, financial, legal, cultural, political, or scientific achievements. Past recipients include Mark Dayton, Paul Douglas, Marlene Johnson, Walter Mondale, Martin Sabo, Joe Senser and Wheelock Whitney. "It was a great honor for me to receive this award. I had a wonderful time at the ceremony and it has become one of the most cherished moments in my life", said Joseph.

In April 2008 Joseph was presented the "WPS Foundation Arts and Academics Hallmarks of Pride" award, for outstanding achievements in arts or academics by an alumnus.[4]

"I am a composer first and foremost, and have always believed that being able to write memorable melodies is what sets musicians apart. My songs bring images to the listener's mind. The object is to transport my listeners to another place, some place sacred and spiritual that will make them glad they took the ride". [9]
"All the information you need is available to you to have a successful career in music, if you're paying attention, and not closed off to anything. Remember, Perseverance is king". [10]
"The piano is always true to me. In times of despair, happiness, and joy, its mood is always my own". [11]

He currently resides with his family in the Twin Cities' metro area and can be seen performing throughout Minnesota and beyond.

Discography

Studio albums

Date of
release 		Title Label Professional
review (s)
1994 Hear The Masses More Core Music Outfitters
1997 Rapture Narada Planet Earth Music
1999 Solo Journey Robbins Island Music Solo Piano Publications
2000 Christmas Around the World Robbins Island Music Wind and Wire Magazine
2002 One Deep Breath Robbins Island Music Wind and Wire Magazine
Solo Piano Publications
Instrumental Weekly
All Music Guide
2003 The Journey Continues Robbins Island Music Wind and Wire Magazine
2004-2008 Music Pets Love: While You Are Gone Robbins Island Music Various at Amazon.com
CD-Music Dogs Love
CD-Music Cats Love
DVD for Cats
DVD for Dogs
2005 For The Love Of It Robbins Island Music
2006 Piano Love Songs Robbins Island Music
2007 Hymns and Spiritual Songs Robbins Island Music
2008 Classic Christmas Robbins Island Music ChristmasReviews.com
2009 Suites & Sweets Robbins Island Music

Compilations

Date of
release 		Title Label Professional
review (s)
2004 The Road Ahead Orange Music
2004 In The Heart of Everyone Orange Music The Newspaper
Yeoh Wee Teck 3/29/05

Credits

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
1999 The Private Years Yanni Private Music
2001 20 Years of Narada Piano Various Narada
2003 Narada Film and Television Music Various EMI
2008 The Weather Channel Presents:
Smooth Jazz II 		Various Midas Records

Sheet music

  • Solo Journey
  • The Journey Continues
  • Play Along
  • Hymns and Spiritual Songs

Audio

Associated musicians

Minnesota musicians that have performed and/or recorded with Bradley Joseph:

See also:

Related Web sites

References

Articles

  • "Continuing Journey: Bradley Joseph sustains music career with songwriting, recording". (February 08, 2007). West Central Tribune [5] [6]
  • "Metro People Bradley Joseph". (September 15, 2004). St. Paul Pioneer Press.
  • "WBL Composer Named Outstanding Young Minnesotan". (September 15, 2004). White Bear Press. [7]
  • "Willmar Jaycee Member Bradley Joseph Selected as one of 2004 "Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans". (September 11, 2004). Wilmar Jaycees [8].
  • "Joseph has encountered fame". (July 15, 1999). Brainerd Dispatch.
  • "Bradley Joseph to play for Concerts in the Park". (July 8, 1999). Brainerd Dispatch.
  • "Joseph 'Tonight Show' ". (March 24, 1995). West Central Tribune.
  • "Heeeeeere's Bradley". (March 21, 1995). West Central Tribune.

Citations

  • [1][2] Rensin, David. Yanni in Words. Miramax Books. (pp:123 & pp:202).
  • [2] Merrill Lynch; August 8, 2006; News story stating, "The 'Yanni Live at the Acropolis' video is the second best-selling music video of all time". (source: Wolfson Public Relations).
  • [3] Quote from article: "Joseph has encountered fame". (July 15, 1999). Brainerd Dispatch.
  • [4] Quote: Indie Journal Interview.
  • [5] Quote: Official site
  • [6] Quote: Official Bio and Reflections Bio
  • [7] Quote: Indie Journal Interview.
  • [8] Quote: Album Liner: "Grand Piano" Narada Anniversary Collection.




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