Biography
Despite her notable professional achievements, widespread recognition has largely bypassed Carmen Bradford even though her abilities are considerable. Born to vocalist Melba Joyce and forward-thinking trumpeter Bobby Bradford, she spent her formative years in Altadena, California. After enrolling at Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, Texas, she left before completing her studies upon receiving an offer to sing with Count Basie. She remained a member of the Count Basie Orchestra from 1982 through 1990. Although Basie himself died in 1984, preventing any recording opportunities with him, Bradford can be heard on several releases made by the ensemble under the direction of Frank Foster.
Following her departure from the Basie organization, she has pursued an extensive range of musical projects. These include guest appearances on albums by George Benson (with whom she shares the vocal on “How Do You Keep the Music Playing”), Dori Caymmi, and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra; a European tour alongside the David Murray Big Band in 2000; performances of works by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn in collaboration with flutist James Newton; concerts with the Doc Severinsen Orchestra; and a faculty position teaching vocal jazz at USC. She has also released one album each on the Amazing label in 1992, the Evidence label in 1995, and, for Azica, a collection of duets with pianist Shelly Berg.
Following her departure from the Basie organization, she has pursued an extensive range of musical projects. These include guest appearances on albums by George Benson (with whom she shares the vocal on “How Do You Keep the Music Playing”), Dori Caymmi, and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra; a European tour alongside the David Murray Big Band in 2000; performances of works by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn in collaboration with flutist James Newton; concerts with the Doc Severinsen Orchestra; and a faculty position teaching vocal jazz at USC. She has also released one album each on the Amazing label in 1992, the Evidence label in 1995, and, for Azica, a collection of duets with pianist Shelly Berg.
Albums
