The Sunday Jazz Brunch Presents

Musician's Corner: Carmen Bradford

And The Music of Carmen McRae

Air Date: 11/9/2025 on 90.5 WICN 9am-12pm ET

You wouldn't be surprised to learn that prior to writing this blog I have not listened extensively to the Count Basie Orchestra. Oh yes, I am familiar with their big hits and heard them many times, like Shiny Stockings, April in Paris, and, of course, Corner Pocket. But I never dug very deep beyond my love of the guitar playing of Freddie Green.  

But last year I heard a singer with whom I was not familiar, on an album from Champian Fulton, called Flying High, Jazz at the Ballroom. On that recording was a great song that you don't hear too often, Lullaby of the Leaves, sung by Carmen Bradford. I was entranced. Such a powerful voice, great phrasing, even a little bit of mystery in her voice. How did I miss this artist? 

Forward to today and now I know that Ms. Bradford was the lead vocalist for the Count Basie Orchestra throughout the 1980s. In fact, she was the last vocalist hired by Mr. Basie, who passed away in 1984. After that, Thad Jones took over the direction, followed by a series of other artists. The Orchestra still performs to this day, under the direction of Scotty Barnhart.

Now we have a new CD from Ms. Bradford, with a new orchestra - the Compass Jazz Orchestra directed by Dana Landry. But not to worry. The arrangements are just what you would get with the Basie band. Continuity is key, and if you are familiar with the Count Basie Orchestra, you know that you are in for some serious swinging blues.

The new CD is called Carmen Sings Carmen, and it is a tribute to another great singer, Carmen McRae.

In the next edition of the Sunday Jazz Brunch, we'll get to listen to a hearty helping of all three - The Count Basie Orchestra, Carmen McRae, and of course, Carmen Bradford - from the new CD, but also from a few older releases.

And, of course, you'll hear her story as part of a thoughtful and very interesting Musician's Corner interview. Be sure to tune in for the set just before the interview, to hear the great mix of music that Ms. Bradford will talk about. 

Don't miss this enlightening presentation during the Sunday Jazz Brunch! 

Marty 

Photos by Andrew “Dru” Phillips


HOUR ONE: Contemplative Morning

Carmen McRae-Dream of Life 1998-03 For All We Know
Ted Rosenthal Trio\High Standards 2025\Everything Happens to Me
Aaron Parks\By All Means 2025\Raincoat

Charles Lloyd\Figure In Blue 2025\Heaven
Steve Houghton Group-And Then Some 2025-09 Lawns
Affinity Trio\New-Outlook 2025\Lover
Bob James & Dave Koz-Just Us 2025-04 All The Way

Champian Fulton\Jazz at the Ballroom Flying High 2024\Lullaby of the Leaves feat Carmen Bradford
Aaron Parks\By All Means 2025\Dense Phantasy
Carmen McRae-Carmen Sings Monk -06 Little Butterfly
Rachael & Vilray-Rachael & Vilray (Disc 1)-11 Let's Make Love on This Plane 2019

HOUR TWO: New For You

MIX: CARMEN BRADFORD, CARMEN MCRAE, COUNT BASIE
Carmen Bradford\Carmen Sings Carmen 2025\I Didn't Know What Time It Was
Count Basie Orchestra-All About That Basie 2018-03 My Cherie Amour
Carmen McRae-Carmen Mcrae -07 Misery
Carmen Bradford-Finally Yours 1997-03 Maybe September
Carmen Bradford-Finally Yours 1997-01 Destiny (Prelude)

MUSICIAN'S CORNER WITH CARMEN BRADFORD
Carmen Bradford\Carmen Sings Carmen 2025\A Song For You
Carmen McRae-Carmen Sings Monk -11 Still We Dream
Carmen Bradford\Carmen Sings Carmen 2025\Ask Me Now

Steve Houghton Group-And Then Some 2025-04 Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing
Ted Rosenthal Trio\High Standards 2025\Everything Happens to Me
Stevie Holland\Talk to Your Tomatoes 2025\East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)

HOUR THREE: Brazil/World/Groove

Brian Simpson-Midnight Groove 2025-01 Blue Mystique
Thom Rotella-Side Hustle 2025-10 On A Misty Night
Masha Campagne\Alegre Menina 2025\Samba Carioca
Marcello Carelli\First Impressions 2025\Wanna Bounce

Lindsey Webster\Reasons 2022 - I Didn't Mean It (feat. Brian Culbertson)
Paul Brown-So Much To Say 2025-08 Let's Bounce
Carol Welsman-The Language of Love-13 Senza Fine 2003
Chiara Civello-The Space Between-08 Seagulls 2007.wav

Mark Sherman\Bop Contest 2025\Love Always Always Love
Jazz Funk Soul-Simpatico 2025-02 Rue de Seine
Eliane Elias\Time and Again 2024\Falo Do Amor
Earl Klugh-The Best Of Earl Klugh Vol. 1-11 Wishful Thinking 1991


 

 


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