Soulful master of the groove Robert Bradley has released one of the finest Soul albums in many years. Out of the Wilderness surpasses its already high expectations, blending R & B, Soul, Blues and Rock into his own unique sonic potion.
Perhaps it was the mystique of being one of the last recordings at the legendary Cherokee Studios, the Hollywood staple that has produced several hundred gold and platinum albums. If Out of the Wilderness is Cherokee Studios’ swansong, than it is a fitting send off for the studio.
Alabama Native Robert Bradley Finds Success in Detroit
Born in Alabama, the blind musician Robert Bradley perfected his music in the coffeehouses and churches of the South. He moved to Detroit, and in 1994 a couple of young musicians working on an album overheard him busking. The youngsters invited him up to record with them, and Robert Bradley’s Blackwater Surprise was born.
Robert Bradley’s New Album Brings Rhythm With a Heavy Dose of Blues
Out of the Wilderness opens with the thick, bluesy title track that showcases Bradley’s voice and legato singing style. Robert Bradley is not a crooner--more Tom Waits than Tom Jones--but it is just this characteristic that makes Bradley’s music so compelling.
Several other tracks on this album continue the blue tones. “Don’t Pour Water” is a cautionary song, warning about the dangers of the world and urging to stay on the straight and narrow. “Alabama” features great guitar work from Matthew Ruffino and Zachary Throne including a bluesy slide guitar part that is a powerful counterpunch to Bradley’s piano.
Old Fashioned Soul and R and B on “Out of the Wilderness”
Most of the songs on Out of the Wilderness feature a back beat that gives it a danceable groove. “Americaland” is a soulful mid-tempo song with some more clever guitar work and a crisp drum part, all enhanced by producer Bruce Robb’s mix and vintage equipment at Cherokee Studios.
A surprisingly up-tempo song, “Beautiful Girl” stands out as a potential single on the album. “Beautiful Girl” is a song about his daughter leaving home for the first time. With conflicted parental emotion, he worries about, warns, and wishes his daughter the best on her own.
Out of the Wilderness One of the Last Albums From Cherokee Studios
As mentioned above, Out of the Wilderness was recorded at Cherokee Studios. Cherokee Studios is a famous Hollywood studio--formerly MGM Recording Studios--which has produced almost 300 gold and platinum records in its lifetime. Some of the notable performers who have recorded here are:
- Count Basie
- Elvis Presley
- B.B. King
- Aerosmith
- Frank Sinatra
- Rick James
- And now Robert Bradley’s Blackwater Surprise
In 1975, Bruce Robb, along with his brothers Dee and Joe, bought the studio from MGM. Now after thirty years under the Robbs, Cherokee Studios is set to close. After demolition, Cherokee Studios will be replaced with live and work lofts for musicians.
Song List for Out of the Wilderness
- Out of the Wilderness
- Beautiful Girl
- Good Times in My Life
- Alabama
- Americaland
- Love You in the Daytime
- Don't Pour Water
- Cryin' My Eyes Out
- Gotta Find A Woman
- Everybody Wanna Party
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