Carmen Bradford never thought jazz was cool. “When I was five years old, I wanted to be a soul singer. I am obsessed with Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, and Gladys Knight and the Pips,” explains Bradford, who headlines the Jazz Association (Singapore) (JASS) Benefit Gala on 19 October.
Her folks did not appear to mind anyway. Granddad Melvin Moore, dad Bobby Bradford and mom Melba Joyce are esteemed jazz vocalists/musicians/composers. Bradford remembers singing little in front of them, but clearly learnt much just by watching: “I was just taking it all in, observing their performances.”
Inevitably, she would be discovered at the age of 22. Over the next more-than-40 years, Bradford used her naturally beautiful vibrato and resonance to forge her own musical path.
In addition to hit solo albums such as Finally Yours as well as acclaimed collaborations with artistes such as Benny Carter and George Benson, she has also performed with big bands like the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra. With the latter’s Basie Swings the Blues album, she picked up a Grammy for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album in February.
Jazz enthusiasts can catch Bradford live in action at the JASS Benefit Gala. Themed “Love Is Here To Stay – Gala of Peace and Love”, it aims to raise funds for its work to foster jazz excellence in Singapore, nurture young talents, leverage jazz for community outreach, and build Singapore into a city of jazz. More than 600 guests are expected to attend.
Joining Bradford on stage are Jeremy Monteiro, JASS Executive Director and Music Director, and the Jazz Association (Singapore) Orchestra.
Why is it important for you to perform at the Jazz Association (Singapore)’s Benefit Gala 2024 in October?
It is an honour to be asked to perform for this year’s gala. The level of musicianship is always fantastic. There is so much talent in Singapore, and the young people swing so hard.
You perform alongside our own Jeremy Monteiro and the Jazz Association Singapore Orchestra. What are you looking forward to from this collaboration?
Anytime I have an opportunity to work with my brother, Jeremy, I’m jumping on it! We have been working together for many years now, and he is such a wonderful accompanist. With him being a singer, he knows how I’m going to phrase, when I’m going to hold the note, how long I’m going to hold it, and he knows what to play underneath what I’m trying to create vocally. We paint beautiful pictures through music.
Spoiler alert: what’s one track on this setlist?
“Love Is Here to Stay” is one of my favourite songs to perform. I’m sure this one will move me the most.
You often perform with other musicians. How have these experiences enhanced your craft as a vocalist?
Having the opportunity to work with some of the greatest musicians of our time is always such a pleasure. They inspire me to be more creative in my live performances, and I hope I do the same for them.
The gala aims to raise funds to, among others, to increase jazz excellence and to develop youth talents in Singapore. What challenges do you observe with regards to preserving jazz for the future generation?
The way to preserve any genre of music is to maintain its authenticity in practice and live performance. Progress comes from practice and ploughing through each piece of music. Listen to recordings of all the great jazz musicians that came before us and set the bar for mastering your instrument. There is no way to work around it.
In August, you were appointed associate professor of Jazz Voice at Michigan State University’s College of Music. What career management advice can you share with younger jazz artists/musicians?
Practice is so very important. Going to hear live music, and supporting your local jazz community so you can get a real idea of what it takes to make a living doing this. Talking to other musicians, speaking to seasoned musicians that can share some knowledge with you about your own performance on your instrument. I think it’s very important for young musicians to also listen to as many recordings of the greats as possible, and copy what you’re hearing, then record yourself for your own review
The Jazz Association (Singapore) Benefit Gala 2024 happens on 19 October, 7.30pm, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore. Purchase a seat/table or make a donation here.
