Like many of the best surprises in life, Bradley West first came to my attention by accident of circumstance through a mutual acquaintance. But from the moment I first saw and heard him perform, I knew there is something unique and special about this emerging young artist. A recent performance at the famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge in Nashville underscored this first impression when, as soon as Bradley began performing, patrons from both the lower and upper lounge areas began to leave their seats and move up to stand at the front of the upper lounge stage, where they could get a better glimpse of an obvious rising star.

Bradley was born on July 9th, 1987 and raised in West Memphis and Marion, Arkansas. According to his family, he first learned to talk by singing and first sang on a stage at age two. Growing up studying various books and encyclopedias about the roots of country music, Bradley became a true fan and admirer of Hank Williams, Sr., George Jones, Randy Travis, George Strait and other traditional country music legends. His own vocal and performance style, although unique, reflects this well-grounded country roots tradition.

Unlike many younger modern country artists, Bradley likes to perform songs with meat on them, songs that stand up for the common men and women of America and have something to say about what both positively and negatively affects hard working, financially struggling working folks. He has performed all over the Arkansas, Tennessee and surrounding areas, including annually at Loretta Lynn's Ranch and at various county fairs, festivals, clubs and other venues. Over the past few years, Bradley has picked up a significant local following in the Memphis, Arkansas area and has performed and been interviewed on several radio and television programs.

Bradley selected all of the songs on this debut collection himself and is a co-writer on two of them. Although he left the music for studio musicians to perform on this debut collection, he plays several instruments, including guitar, fiddle and harmonica. Bradley is currently pursuing a college education, as well as actively involved performing several times per month. In his spare time, he likes to socialize with friends, fish, read and write songs. Bradley West is a particularly well-grounded and dedicated young artist and he is one of the few and far between whose future truly envisions unlimited potential.

--Richard Aberdeen, Freedom Tracks Records; February, 2007
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