(February 14, 2018) The last time we heard from trombonist Jeff Bradshaw it was less for music and more for his Philly community rallying around him over his briefly ailing health due to diverticulitis, a bowel infection. So, it’s great to have not only the jazzy soul artist who gave us such smooth, sensual, and emotional projects as Bone Deep, Bone Appetit, and Home: One Special Night at the Kimmel Center back on the scene, it’s a celebration of Bradshaw beating the odds.
Music fans will definitely find something to celebrate in the more svelte Bradshaw’s comeback with producer legend DJ Jazzy Jeff and indie soul singer Jeff Murrell, whose projects Destiny and Broken Man graced the scene in the mid-to-late 2000s. Murrell will be among those featured on Bradshaw’s declarative new album, Stronger, also featuring Robert Glasper, Raheem DeVaughn, Micki Miller, Paula Champion, and Amber Jeanne Navran of Moonchild fame.
Produced by Bradshaw and Brandon Young, “Stay” delivers an awesome return to form for the trombonist. The bumpin’, ‘90s era bassline from Q-Tip’s “Breathe and Stop” nicely juxtaposes against the floral imprint of the cut’s butter soft supporting vocals. With a sweet yearning threading his tenor, Murrell also does a standup job with a lead vocal vaguely reminiscent of Stevie Wonder and Glenn Lewis. By the time, Bradshaw enters the effortless arrangement, there is some interesting hip hop counterpoint from Jazzy Jeff’s scratching creating some edge and tension in this mid-tempo groove. The whole affair floats and is missed almost as soon as it ends, causing this reviewer to press play again to make Bradshaw’s sway stay around just a little while longer.
By L. Michael Gipson
Jeff Bradshaw feat. DJ Jazzy Jeff and Jeff Murrell - "Stay"
