TOP 20 TRADITIONAL ALBUMS OF 2000
1. BAD TURNS AND HORSE-SHOE BENDS, by Harry Bradley (Outlet): Despite many outstanding performances captured on record, this Belfast-based label has chronically suffered from mediocre production often born, frankly, of rushing the process. Here, production is fairly good, while the flute playing of Harry Bradley is utterly sublime and ranks with the finest studio performances in Outlet's history. Accompanied by Davy Graham on mandocello, Séamus O'Kane on bodhrán, and former Déanta member Eóghan O'Brien on guitar and harp, Bradley plays concert, E-flat, F, and marching band flutes with perfectly balanced force and finesse. An unscheduled "hit" two years ago at Donegal's Frankie Kennedy Winter School, where I first saw him perform, this Belfast-born musician has made an astonishingly mature, musically rich solo debut that immediately places him within the front ranks of all Irish flutists alive. It is a magnificent achievement by a talent destined for international recognition.
Harry Bradley was born in South Belfast in 1974. He discovered Irish traditional music through popular recordings of it and was encouraged by childhood holidays in rural Co. Down where there were a small group of players still drawing on local musical traditions. The vibrant 78 record recording heritage from the 1920s and 30s has had a huge influence on his personal playing style as has the playing of more contemporary exponents such as Seamus Tansey, Dessie Wilkinson, John Carty and piper Seamus Ennis to name but a few.
To date Harry has recorded two solo flute CDs "Bad Turns and Horseshoe Bends"(Outlet) and "As I Carelessly Did stray..."(Claddagh Records) and a trio recording with Jesse Smith (fiddle) and John Blake (guitar/piano/flute) titled "The Tap Room Trio"(Claddagh Records). He appeared as a guest musician on Altan's "The Blue Idol" CD.
Harry now lives in Dublin where he teaches flute regularly at Na PÌobairÌ Uilleann headquarters. He is also a dedicated Uilleann piper and a member of the board of directors of Na PÌobairÌ Uilleann.
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