Robert Bradley and Blackwater Surprise
Still Lovin' You
Vanguard Records

Robert Bradley is quoted on his CD release write-up as saying, “I tell a lotta people that my songs are good for a ride in the car. Some place where you have a chance to reflect.” Bradley is as dead-on with his synopsis of his album as he is in its creation. Sitting through my sixth spin of the record in two days, Still Lovi n' You is something to take home to soulfully glide the one you love through a sea of living room furniture transformed into a dance floor.

Nothing to do with Sheryl Crow or anything Star 94, track one, 'All I Wanna Do' establishes the feel of the cool-reflective soul blues to come, and CLASSIC is the only adjective that comes to mind. A little Ray Charles raspy hook, a little humor-funk, and a mix of sax and gospel piano, Bradley and Blackwater Surprise feel churchy, romantic, and nostalgic. In other words, this one’s for keeps, y’all. Track three, Bradley’s title song, was first written in 1968, making Blackwater only one of the pleasant surprises on the album, as the 'Still Lovin’ You' track is a gift from a smoother time gone by. Other favorites include organ-led and convincing 'Pretender' and bluesy and humorous (“Where’s my limo?”) Hollywood. Ten tracks and 37:57 minutes later, I’m hoping that there’s 37:57 more to come.

Robert Bradley is a must-note musician in the midst of popular fast-paced and low depth compilations. A cocktail party staple, a late-night romance must-have, and a lonesome Sunday all in one, Robert Bradley, we’re Still Lovin’ YOU. Time for spin number three for Tuesday….

Ali Bracken