Saturday, November 03, 2012

Bluesfest: Charles Bradley

Back to Bluesfest for another act who could have trod the boards in the festival's early days: Charles Bradley & The Extraordinaires. Bradley had a tough upbringing and has travelled the states, working as a chef and weathering the vicissitudes of life. Howver, back when he was a wee lad he saw James Brown perform live and ever since has had a second career as a performer. He's yet another act in the Daptone circle of acts, and has lately released No Time For Dreaming, his debut LP on Tommy Brenneck (of Dap-Kings etc. fame) own Dunham label..

First up, some Extraordinaires.

Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

Brass and beard action!

Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

"Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for ..."

Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

Charles Bradley, the screaming eagle of soul!

Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

He's always dressed snazzy.

Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

Some singalong action ... unfortunately I don't know the names of any of his backing band.

Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

Stand-carrying action!

Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

He's got more than one outfit in his repertoire ...

Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

Thrusting action!

Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

Dang there's a lot of stage clutter.

Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

That was fun, though I could have done with having to hear the blather of LFMAO fans. Fortunately, Bradley had been booked for two nights, so the next day on the Black Sheep Stage ... brass action!

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

I've said it before and I'll say it again, it's amazing what a point-and-shoot will do these days.

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

Those Extraordinaires!

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

Once again, Mr. Charles Bradley!

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

Soulful action!

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

As the man admits, there's a lot of J.B. in his act.

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

And so on!

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

Think about it!

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

Screaming eagle action!

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

Extra horn!

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

And another outfit!

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

More black and white!

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

He knows his moves.

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

Well, you get the idea!

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

An excellent end to the night.

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