Showing posts with label Fan Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fan Review. Show all posts

Monday, May 20, 2013

Sam Bradley Fan Reactions to Not Your Kind



"His voice is smooth like honey, yet crisp like a cool autumn day."

"NotYourKind on full volume, I am sure my neighbours love it already.."

"I am beyond excited&happy to have some new music by my friend,  @samueltwitt1 this will be on repeat"

"Not your kind is probably my fav song on the EP."

"sandwiched between Patty Griffin and OCMS.. sounds EXACTLY RIGHT!  @samueltwitt1 @iTunesMusic #EPNotYourKind"

"Wondering how often I can listen to #notyourkind on repeat on my 6 hour train ride today "

"Got my @samueltwitt1 new EP!  LOVIN!!!!!! "

"I recently discovered Sam Bradley at a Ryan Keen gig, and have never looked back since. This guy can write a song and compose a melody. A true showman live, with meaningful lyrics about family, religion, observations etc etc! Once you have heard him you will love him too. "Science Prevents Me" is a personal favourite, as is the beautiful "Only Human'. 

Covering different genres, Sam's genre is mixed but not mixed up! Giving you a flavour of everything he can do.

Buy the EP, and discover your new favourite singer/songwriter.

Good luck Sam!"

"This album feels too real. Only human is one of my favorites for its raw touch and perfect sound. The album is diverse and one you can enjoy listening to every track."



Reaction from first time listener 


"I'm really loving it, to the point I'm checking his other stuff out on itunes this minute :)"



SEND US YOUR THOUGHTS/REACTIONS/REVIEWS
 to info@asoulfulsound.com

Fan Review


Sam Bradley - "Not Your Kind"

First and foremost, I'm a fan of Sam Bradley.  This is not news for anyone who knows me. I have planned vacations around his US Tour dates, and I have been known to leave my family for days at a time to see each and every one of his shows within a several hundred mile radius. Like I said....I'm a fan.

If you had asked me yesterday, I would have told you the only way to truly appreciate Sam's music is to see him live.  I have purchased his EP's and CD's and though I love them and listen to them A LOT, to me, there was something so much more connected between Sam and his music when you you have the opportunity to see him live. Beyond the fact that he is an engaging and quite funny entertainer, when Sam performs live he takes the audience right into that part of himself that the song came from. Whether he is playing the amusing "Passport" or the evocative  "Details" Sam always takes the audience right to "the place" with him.

That's what I would have said yesterday... today, with the release of Sam's "Not Your Kind" (available on iTunes today) Sam has given his fans, and the rest of the world, the live show experience of jumping into his music with him... in an EP.

To say that I was blown away by this wonderful offering from the young Mr. Bradley would be an huge understatement. I have heard some of these songs live... and though I was excitedly looking forward to owning them for myself.. I did not expect the impact this EP had on me.

I loved the country flavor given to the songs on this EP, but noted that Sam didn't leave his rocker side far away.  "Science Prevents Me" is an excellent example of the perfect blending of both the country and rock sides, the styles flowing into each other throughout the song. While the title track "Not Your Kind" is a sweet play of notes arranged with a solid country flair.  As does "Bless Her Soul" one of his newer songs on the EP.   It is an up tempo, full on country, that seems to speak of a female who just can't be stopped in her own pursuits, constantly changing, looking for the next thing.

Sam has always seemed, to this writer, to be an observer of all that goes on around him.  "Only Human"  is a song that beautifully  shows the observant side of this performer. He takes in the world around him, he sees more than most people, I think.

The absolute jewel on this EP, is "Little Sister".  It is difficult to describe with words the experience while listening to this song, except for possibly one, tears.  Many of Sam's fans have expressed that they feel a special connection to this song, perhaps because it seems to convey a universal feeling so many of us have experienced.  That feeling that we might have lost ourselves in a relationship.  The feeling that this was not what we had expected our lives to be, but maybe .. maybe things will change, if we stick with it. "Little Sister" reminds us, that though we may feel alone sometimes.... we aren't. If we could only find that one piece of ourselves that knows we can have, and deserve, better. 

With  "Not Your Kind" Sam Bradley has made the one connection I have been waiting for.  The one connection I knew he would get to.  He has brought his passion for his music, normally seen on stage, into the recording studio and given his fans their best listening experience yet, and reminded us all, despite the EP name, he really is our kind.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Sam Bradley - Show Report, Notting Hill Arts Club

Sam Bradley
Notting Hills Art Club
London, UK
12 June 2012
By: M.L Healey, Show Reporter





Set List

Lights
Science prevents me
Not your kind
That’s how strong my love is
Details
Little Sister
 Go back

It was good to be back at Notting Hill Arts Club which is a great venue for intimate gigs. Tonight it was packed and the audience was much larger than Sam Bradley’s previous show there this year.  Even though he was not headlining ‘TV Nights’ a lot were here just to see Sam (I know, I checked with the door).



There was no denying that Sam Bradley’s tour of the US earlier this year has given him more confidence in his performances. Last night’s show at Notting Hill Arts Club was testimony to that.

As I entered the club the unmistakable moody opening bars of ‘Lights’ filled the room and the audience was riveted to his performance, a pause in the song due to forgotten lyrics brought a little humour as his mum came to his rescue!  Sam explained to the audience that his set had a theme and that was ‘about feeling… love and passion… experience and fire…It’s about the Euros’.  In short, his support of England and football.  Odds at 12/1 mean it’s a long shot but it’s nice he’s patriotic.



In reference to his theme, his next song ‘Science Prevents Me’ was, according to the man, about not believing. Perhaps he hoped that by cheering “Come on England” before ‘Not your kind’ might bring them some much needed luck. I couldn’t detect the football theme in this song unless the disappointment conveyed in the song parallels what the nation will be feeling if England doesn’t win (fingers, toes & legs all crossed though).

I had never heard Sam perform ‘That’s How Strong My Love Is’ live and it was executed beautifully tonight. Although he didn’t pen this song, his performance was intense and soulful.  It’s always fun to see him perform ‘Details’ and it’s usually prefaced with an anecdote, tonight – carrying on the theme, he professed his love of football (you don’t say!) but not of the yob culture that is often associated with football fanaticism. His authoritative singing of remorseful lyrics should serve as a warning about such violence.


The set concluded with fan-favourites ‘Little Sister’ and ‘Go Back’ and the audience soaked up his oft gritty yet mellifluous vocals. Like a dutiful son, Sam thanked his mum and was gracious in his thanks to all that came out tonight. His worry that people wouldn’t turn up tonight was unfounded. He should really take his own advice and believe in his musical abilities and appeal.

Sam with our roving reporter!

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Sam Bradley - Fan Experience from Jammin' Java, Spring Tour 2012

Fan experience from Spring Tour 2012 at Jammin' Java in Vienna, VA on April 10, 2012


"I'd never seen Marcus Foster and Sam Bradley before but I was hella excited...."
"Sam Bradley was first and I swear, that guy is super fun!  You can't watch him and be in a bad mood.  He's kind of like a cartoon character and I mean  that in a good way.  He's just so animated. "
"He's very energetic and as I sat directly in front of him, he must of looked at me 50 times. "
source  (and entire piece) via source





Friday, April 20, 2012

Sam Bradley Show Report, Cafe Nine, New Haven, CT

Sam Bradley
Cafe Nine
New Haven, CT
April 12, 2012


Cafe Nine, located in New Haven Connecticut, provided the perfect setting for a show during this tour for Sam in support of Marcus Foster.


Having never been to the venue before, we weren't quite sure we were at the right place when we approached it. And then we saw "The Trio".  Sam, Marcus and Jack were all outside as we walked up to the door, and they all said hello, big smiles... a warm welcome. We were in the right place :)
Sam took the stage about 7:30 pm and performed a selection of songs including "Science Prevents Me", "Passport", "Little Sister", "Details", "Woman You Crazy", "Soho Whores" and his most recent "Not Your Kind".


Sam delivered his set with his usual charm, amazing talent, and endearing humor. Whether he is singing one of his own songs, such as "Too Far Gone" or singing a cover of "That's How Strong My Love Is" Sam never fails to grab the audience and take them on his journey.



I think it's a special treat for the audience, to get to see Sam perform in a smaller venue like Cafe Nine.  A couple of drinks, some great music, a few laughs, more great music, a couple more drinks, a few more laughs, a selection of photos being taken and in the end of the evening, hugs all around.... It was, simply, an evening among friends. Not much more one can ask for on a Thursday evening.


There is nothing more I can say about Sam's performance that hasn't already been said in previous show reports.  He is meant to be there..... on stage, doing what he does, exactly the way he does it. And it's because of these facts that I will always be there, in the audience, listening, with a smile, whenever and wherever I can be.


Thank you Sam, for once again sharing your amazing heart and talent with me.
Come back soon! You are missed, truly.

Show Reporter:  Rosie

Monday, April 16, 2012

Sam Bradley Show Report, Johnny D's, Boston & Rockwood Music Hall, NYC


Johnny D's

Boston, MA
April 13, 2012


Woke up at 530am... The day had finally come!!
Checked my backpack one last time to make sure I had all I needed (bus tickets, passport and more importantly, concert tickets), Sam's 'usual' and after making sure my son was awake, grabbed the local bus to take me to the bus station.
What I hadn't factored in my planning was that it was Friday the 13th...
Caught the local bus at 715 to take me to the subway but it finally came at 725. Nerves are setting in because my bus to Boston leaves at 815 and I have a 20 minute ride to get to the subway. Made it there at 745 and ran to catch the subway that was leaving a minute later. Now, remember, it's Friday the 13th...
For no apparent reason, the subway stops between stations and everything turns dark. Granted just a minute but enough to make me start panicking. Made it to the right stop and again ran to the bus station. I now have about 8 minutes to spare...
I get to the counter only for them to tell me they have a computer fail and they're not sure they can give me my ticket! The lady calls her supervisor and, since I handed them my confirmation number, she can get my ticket. With a rushed thank you, I sprint to the right gate, with about 3 minutes left and FINALLY, I'm granted access to the bus.
Now, of course, when the day starts that way, you're scared of what'll come next...
We got stuck at customs for about 45 minutes and had to play translator for an agent. Task was not easy since they were refusing entry to one of the passengers. Still, she finally understood why she couldn't cross the border.
8 and 1/2 hours later, I'm finally in Boston!!! Not really knowing where to go except from what I read on Google maps, a friendly subway agent guided me in the right direction. 20 minutes later, I'm standing outside Johnny D's!

I know I'm early but venture inside if only to use the bathroom and who do I see? Sam!!!
Hadn't seen him in a while so we caught up on everything for a few minutes before he had to go get ready.
Now, the show... It was FANTASTIC!!! Sam and Marcus were obviously having a lot of fun and so was I!
Science, Little Sister, Soho and so many made me forget the whole morning's disaster. It was just good to see Sam again.

          (Note:  Boston additional video can be found here)
Got my 'kit' after the show and got a few more minutes with Sam before I continued on to catch the bus...to NYC!!!
A very cold bus ride (I was so thankful for my hoodie!) later, I'm in New York at around 530 in the morning. And what do you do in New York? You shop! Which I did until it was time for the concert...

Sam and Marcus were on fire!!!! I sent you the set list (again, thank you, Sam!) so you know what I'm talking about...

Rockwood Music Hall
New York, NY
April 14, 2012


IzzieSpice

 I was in awe throughout the show! I've seen Sam in a lot of places but New York brings something out in him that is explosive!!!


IzzieSpice

You've seen the videos, you know the feeling.

IzzieSpice


IzzieSpice

After a goodbye and a hug from Sam, my road trip was over. Left NYC at midnight and made it back home in Montreal around 8am the next morning.

Show Reporter:  IzzieSpice
Was it worth it? Absolutely! Would I do it agIn? Hell, yeah!!!!
Thank you Sam for the great memories!!!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Sam Bradley Show Report - Eddie's Attic, Atlanta

Sam Bradley
Eddie's Attic
Atlanta, GA
April 8, 2012


Set List

Details
Little Sister
Passport
Woman You Crazy
That's How Strong My Love Is
Not Your Kind
Too Far Gone



Well there is not much that I can say that hasn't already been said. We ALL know that Sam is an amazing entertainer. This is why we all follow him around & take our road trips! This time around I was able to see him perform in Nashville & Atlanta. It was a bit of a sacrifice due to the holiday weekend but, as I said we all Love Sam! Since the Nashville show was already covered I will just talk about Atlanta. The Playlist was a mixture of faves from Zuni (except Scared which is my favorite) like "Details" & "Passport" to a cover of Otis Redding's "That's How Strong My Love Is". He also played his newest songs "Woman U Crazy" & "Not Your Kind" which he had asked us to memorize so we could sing along... Sadly he never requested this. He did let us sing along to "Too Far Gone" which is always a crowd pleaser. He ended the night with a song dedicated to my friend for her birthday... It was "SoHo Whores"! One of her favorites! 

I'm not sure if he did this at any other shows but I do have to share.... He forgot his lyrics a few times. It was funny! He said his songs & lyrics & he could change them as he wanted. Even with the missed lyrics he always tells good stories & relates well with the crowd. I saw a lot of familiar faces at the Sold Out show but also several new ones as well. Hopefully Sam will soon release a new album & be back soon to promote it. I hope you guys enjoyed all the live tweets during the show. I wanted everyone to feel like they were there too. Thank you for letting me share my experience. 

Show Reporter:  Carmen Erwin

Sam Bradley Show Report - Minglewood Hall & The Basement - Tennessee


Sam Bradley
Minglewood Hall/ - Memphis, Tennessee April 6, 2012
The Basement Nashville, Tennessee April 7, 2012


Set List

Your Science Prevents Me
Details
Little Sister
Passport
Woman You Crazy
That's How Strong My Love Is
Not Your Kind
Too Far Gone



In order to give these shows proper reviews, I have to rewind, and go back to the beginning…where all of this began…so you can understand.  April 22, 2009 at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville changed my life forever.  I didn't know who I was going to see; I didn't know any of the music. But I went, because I'm from Nashville, and music is tangled into every fiber of my being. I knew it would be good - I had a feeling, the feeling that can only come when you know where great music lives and breathes. In Nashville in particular, it's the little venues off of Lower Broad and beyond, the ones most tourists have no idea exist. At 3rd & Lindsley, you see true talent shine.  They're not there to impress, or wow you with a light show that bolsters what talent they do have.  Instead, all they have to rely on is a guitar and a song. What I saw that night was magical…raw, earnest talent that you rarely see anymore.  A musician, overwhelmed at the sudden attention being thrust at him, but humbled by it nonetheless. He seemed to open up his mouth, let the lyrics flow, and they wafted straight into my soul. It may sound flowery - and if you know me, you know I'm anything but flowery - but it's the truth.  I was hooked from that very moment.  Even now, three years later (has it really been that long?), I make no excuses for how excited I am to see this man again.  There is not an ounce of shame inside me. Why?  Because it's Sam.

If you're new to Sam Bradley's music, I warn you now that once you see a show, you'll be hooked.  It's like he opens the door to his living room, and invites you in to stay a while. You can imagine the stage is his sofa, the guitar sitting in his lap, as he lazily strums the strings and cracks jokes, making you shake with laughter.  And when he plays, the music enraptures you, and he speaks to you through his lyrics, like you're going through whatever he went through in order to write the song…like you're going through it with him.  Not many artists these days do that, at least not to me.  Amos Lee does it.  Patty Griffin does it.  And Sam does it.

The last time I saw Sam play, I was wheelchair-bound in Louisville, watching him open for Jenny Owens Young at Zanzabar.  I was three weeks out from a very serious surgery, and desperate for one single, solitary happy moment…something to encourage me to keep fighting, keep going.  And Sam did that.  Through his music, yes, but also his amazing, genuine, and loving character.  He has the biggest heart, and he truly is one-of-a-kind. I'll be forever grateful to him for that night, and everything he did for me.  And even now, when I have weak moments and think I'm going to give up, that I can't take any more pain, or hurt, or heartbreak, I remember that night, and the feeling of being able to conquer anything. It renews me.



I don't know the number of shows I've seen - it's probably a ridiculous amount - but I still get excited each and every time, when he welcomes me into his world, and plays just for me.

He's on tour with Marcus Foster right now, an artist I hadn't listened to previously.  I'll admit it - I'm a Sam girl.  It's hard to steal my focus away from him (sorry, he got there first, fellas).  However, I was excited to have the chance to hear new music, and well, see Sam, too.  I went to two shows - Memphis, and then my hometown of Nashville.  I have a four-hour rule.  If I can get there within four hours (flying or driving), I may just pop up at a show.  Otherwise, I feel like a stalker.  But that's just me.  I'd never seen Sam play in Memphis, and to my knowledge, he never had previously.

Though he was tired after a long drive from Dallas the previous night, he still strived to play a great show - honest singing, great stage presence.  He may not have been as funny as I've seen him before (can we say Camembert lady?) but he still held my attention, playing some old songs (Otis Redding's "That's How Strong My Love Is," "Passport"), his most famous tune ("Too Far Gone") his latest songs ("Woman You Crazy" and the beautiful, heart-wrenching "Not Your Kind"), and then a handful of others (a song he wrote with his mother, Lee Lindsey "Little Sister," as well as "Your Silence Prevents Me," and his Nashville-penned tune "Details").  After the show, he gave of himself like he always does, talking to each and every person in attendance, taking pictures, goofing off with them…doing whatever it took to make it a special night not only for them, but for himself as well.

Then it was back to Nashville after a quick stop for fried chicken and mashed potatoes (I needed fuel for the Nashville party, come on).  Sam enjoys riling me up, and I've come by his nickname for me quite honestly, Sassy.  As soon as I got to the venue, he sassed me and I sassed him right back, but I could tell he was rested, and if he was willing to give me hell, then it was going to be a great show.
And again, he didn't disappoint.  Just as I suspected, his humor was back in place, and he warned the audience that he'd had barbeque in Memphis and in Nashville, and that the show was going to be quite "porky."  Before he sang "Passport," he told an abbreviated version of his hilarious Camembert woman story, and then came up with a decent excuse for not playing my personal favorite "Scared."  Apparently, he'd broken his "C" string, so he was granted a reprieve.  The set list was the same as Memphis, with no variations, but it was still like seeing a brand new show, despite having seen him perform the previous night.



And then, just like Sam does, he gave of himself again and again and again and again. He talked to me about my life, and then about nonsense, and sometimes he offered little gems about his life.  It felt like I was talking to a really good friend.  And for me, personally, he is my friend.  He made sure everyone in the room had their moment with him, and that they left feeling special and adored.  But really, he's the one who is so adored.  You can't help it.  It's Sam.


__________________________________________
Show Reporter:  Rachel @SaassyyRachel
http://cushieworld.wordpress.com

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Sam Bradley Show Report - Prophet Bar, Dallas, TX

Sam Bradley
The Prophet Bar
Dallas, TX
April 5, 2012


Set list

Science Prevents me

Little Sister 

Story time with Sam/Details

Passport
Woman you crazy
That's How Strong My Love Is (Cover)
Not Your Kind (with dedication)
Too Far  Gone
Soho Whores


Sam takes the stage a little after 8 pm.  He is looking very happy, healthy, excited, (as were we) looking good, and wearing some sexy shoes.  He introduced himself, thanked us all for coming, and  mentioned Marcus Foster, and how amazing he is. I, as well as the rest of the crowd, agreed with him by woo-hooing our praise. (I know how you like those woo-hoos, Sam) Sam opened with the amazingly poignant song"Science Prevents Me."  There is something about Sam that is very..... electrifying, when he performs.  Much like flipping on a light switch, when Sam started his first song, it was like he turned the place on. Now, I am not real sure that I have the set list in the exact order, but I think I am pretty close.  Sam talked to us in between songs, once mentioning he was nervous.  Just so ya know, he didn't look it.  Sam went on to request that someone buy him a whiskey and he would pay them back. Low and behold Sam ended up with a handful of whiskey.  Good times!


Sam talked about time spent in Nashville, spending way too much time playing X-Box, and doing "other stuff" before pulling up Details.  I wish I had that story on video, but I didn't get it.  Sam played Details and his voice sounded as rich as ever. His guitar sound seemed to resonate bigger, rounder, better, while playing.  Amazing is the short way to phrase this....
During his set, Sam gave us the story of Odessa, Tx.  This I do have one video, and am so glad I got it, because Sam my dear, you were hilarious.  Your impression of a "sweet lil old Odessa woman" was classic.  The sound on this video is not the greatest, but it works.  I only got the story bit of it.  Sam told this story leading into "Passport".  I had a camera malfunction, so I apologize for the little song tease at the end.  Have a laugh, go on and watch it!



I apologize for the lack of footage from this show.  I have some videos that I am sharing, despite my technological fail, at making the sound good on them.  But, the ones I do have, they are high light moments. So watch them and listen with a careful ear.  Just know the videos do not do Sam's voice any justice what so ever. 


Half way through the set, Sam called out a little boy, named Kaden.  Sam asked Kaden to join him on stage.  He introduced Kaden as his friend, says that he's the man, and lets him say "hi." Sam, then excused Kaden.  Sam mentions to the audience as Kaden walks away, that "he is going to be a star!"  (Thank you, Muchly, from the bottom, all the way to the top of my heart, dear Sam.)   Kaden was taken by surprise and totally put off by the amount of loud shouts happy faces staring up for/at him.  He seemed  incredibly shy but I think that is understandable, Sam caught him by surprise.  This moment was an incredibly moving moment for me, as Kaden is my son, and I know better than anyone, what Sam did here, meant to him.  For 3 years Kaden has been asking me if he could join Sam on stage, just once.  I always told Kaden, that Sam is doing a job, and people are paying to see Sam entertain them with his music, so some things are just not easy to do.  Man.  Can you guess what my heart did, when he called Kaden up?  Knowing exactly what it was meaning to Kaden, my baby? Yes, my heart was melting.  This isn't all though.  After Sam excused Kaden from  the stage, he dedicated a song to him.  Kaden's little ears perked up like a puppy at play time.  I have this on video also.  Again, the sound is not great, and does no justice for Sam's sound at this show.  I uploaded it anyway, just for this story's sake.  Watch if you'd like. Sam dedicates "Not Your Kind" to my son, Kaden.  Sam also mentions, ( for the most part this is what is said, if ya can't understand in the video) "This next song is for Kaden.  This song   actually ah. doesnt have anything to do with Kaden. It's a new song I wrote recently, it's called Not Your Kind .....this is a song I am feeling very much right now, but not because its happening...."  Sam, you blow my mind. 




Moving on.  Sam eased us though this show will grace, hilarity, charm, and most importantly, Talent. Sam had us, the audience, completely engaged the entire time prompting us to clap along with Woman you Crazy, sing along with Too Far Gone, and humor us with his brilliant personality.  The highlight of the audience involvement is a tie between, the majority clapping and singing woman you crazy, and the whole house singing Too far gone with him, and keep it going, while he hunted down Marcus, so he could witness the audience, singing his song.  It. was. awesome. 


I unfortunately was not able to get any pics or video from Marcus Foster.(other than one after his set)  I am so kicking myself for this, as Marcus was beyond amazing.  Marcus woo'd the audience with his adorable ways, soothed us with his unfaltering, rich, soul seeping voice, and he blew our minds on his guitar.  Jack, Marcus's piano man, was an excellent accent to his set.  Amazing set.  Amazing musicians. I can NOT wait to see them again!


This pretty much wraps up everything my memory was able to store from this show.  We had a blast!  Lastly, I feel it is imperative to mention how much Sam Bradley has improved over the years.  His voice, his vibe, his presence, his guitar playing, ALL of Sam Bradley, is getting better and better.  This is the best show, I have attended for Sam.  Hands down. I have been to many shows. And yes, I do say that every time, however, isn't that how it's supposed to work? This is how we know Sam is working his heart out for us.  Sam Bradley, you are truly heaven sent.  I will forever have faith in you and with my whole heart, I  believe in you, your craft, your talent, everything. x


Even though it is not nearly enough, 
That is all, for now.


Show Reporter: DeEtta
video source



Future Star, Kaden!  Photo: ChristyB