1. This has to be an exciting time in the Bradleys ministry. Tell us about the Dove Award that you have been nominated for.
We were excited to learn that we have been nominated for the Gospel Music Associations "Dove Award" for Bluegrass Album of the Year! Other nominees are The Lewis Family, DEWgrass, Buddy Greene, and Ralph Stanley. We are honored to be named among such groups!
2. Is this the category that your ministry is aimed at? Is bluegrass and country what comes naturally to all of the Bradleys?
This is a hard question. I don't like being categorized. As individuals we enjoy a variety of styles in gospel music which include southern, country and bluegrass. After years of trying to fit into the category that is called "southern gospel" Lamon Records has been instrumental into bringing us back to our roots. We have finally come home! The result is an acoustic style album that really reflects who we are.
3. If you win or lose the Dove Award, just receiving a Dove nomination is a step in the ladder of success that most artist never reach. In what way do you see the Dove nomination benefiting everything that you do in Gospel Music?
The nomination comes to us as an unexpected blessing. What a wonderful surprise! We are happy to walk through the doors God is opening to us, and we do see some previously locked doors being opened to us already. Over the years we have tried to acknowledge God in all our ways and he has never failed to direct our path. Our view of success is simply being on the path where God leads.
4. Tell us a little bit about the song that got you the nomination.
When I started gathering material for this project, I went to Mom's, and snitched her notebook (the one where she keeps new songs) She had written the words to "So Glad" on paper and slid it into her notebook. Bobby and I wrote the music and surprised Mom one evening by singing it to her. She had not intended it for a song, but had written it as a prayer to the Lord. She didn't know I'd sneak and find it! Lamon records liked the song so well, it became our first cut.
5. The bluegrass category usually infers that there are a lot of stringed instruments involved. How many instruments are in the typical Bradleys concert? Who plays each different instrument?
In concert, we use guitar, mandolin, bass, and piano. Throughout the program Dad plays guitar and Bobby plays piano, guitar and mandolin along with the tracks from our project which includes the fiddle and dobro of David Johnson. In the middle of each concert, we break away from the tracks and perform a segment of Bluegrass Gospel live in which Dad plays guitar, Mom plays bass, Bobby plays guitar and I play mandolin. An interesting addition to our performances is our son Kabe on saxophone. He usually sings and plays at least one selection. We teasingly call his the first bluegrass saxophone.
6. Will you be making the trip to Nashville to attend the Dove Awards?
Most definitely!
7. Are there plans in the making for another bluegrass/country Gospel CD?
Yes, We will most likely begin working on another acoustic style Bradleys CD with Lamon Records in the fall. Currently, we're working a Children's CD. Realizing that many kids in America today haven't heard the gospel, and many in our churches don't even know the basic Bible stories, our desire is to use this CD to teach some of these stories through song. Through donations to Word On The Street Ministries, children in the US and abroad will receive these CD's free. One church has already volunteered to buy CDs to send to kids in Romania! The recording will include The WHE Sound of Praise Children's Choir singing with me. Song list includes classics such as "Nothing But the Blood" as well as original songs written by group members. Every song has its own unique feel including a Bluegrass-Hoe Down, a Celtic Penny Whistle, an Old World Cafe' with violin and accordion, a Russian-Polka, a sunny Caribbean rainbow song, 50's-style praise, a trip to the Circus, a Marching Band and Big Band swing. It's a lot of fun!
8. Is there anything else about this nomination that you want to make mention of?
Thanks to everyone at Lamon Records for the hard work and professionalism in producing this album. The atmosphere at this recording company is one of Christian fellowship and support. They're just great people.
Thanks to everyone who voted for our nomination.
Most of all, we thank God for allowing us to serve Him in a way that we enjoy so much!
Visit the Bradleys online to hear a sample of their music. http://www.thebradleys.net
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 03/01/2006
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 2
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Congrats! Keep up the great work for JESUS!
Your friend
Johnathan
Congratulations!! It couldn't happen to a nicer or more talented family. God's best to you. Janice Crow
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