Every
so often, one of my unsuspecting friends is the proud recipient of a birthday
blog from yours truly. And today, the honor belongs to Everett Bradley!
I
first met Everett among swarms of people after some gig he played at the Bitter
End, but as we know, swarms of people are not very conducive to any kind of
meaningful interaction, so it would be a few years before I feel like I can say
I actually met Everett.
It
was at a pre-New Year’s Eve party that my friend Tanya Leah hosted, and it was
a lovely intimate gathering that turned into a magical evening of meaningful
conversation with everyone in attendance.
Did
you ever meet someone who just exudes love and joy and light? That is Everett.
And that is apart and aside from the ridiculous amount of varied talents that
ooze from every pore of his being. Ooze, I tell ya.
I
was going to put a whole bunch of stuff here about how he’s played with everyone
from Springsteen to Bowie, been nominated for a Grammy, appeared on Broadway
and just finished a stint as bandleader for The
Meredith Vieira Show, but it seemed very name-droppy and braggy. Oops. Did
it anyway!
But
the more relevant point, to me, anyway, is that when Tanya and I called him to
ask if he’d be part of my album, he said, “yes.” And that was at a time when he
certainly didn’t need the work. And also, he’d never heard what I do, so total
act of faith on his part, for which I will always be grateful.
Everett
wound up singing the male background vocals on almost every song on the album,
as well as playing percussion as only he can. If there was a camera on my face
during his sessions, you would see the biggest, giddiest, most joyous and
gratitude-filled grin on my face. (The still photo here of us afterwards will
have to suffice, I’m afraid.)
In
a couple of days, I will get to play and sing live with him in studio for a
video shoot, and I consider that a thrilling privilege. But in all honesty, the
bigger thrilling privilege is to call him my friend.
You
are a beautiful soul, Everett Bradley, and I hope this day is a true
celebration of the gift you are. Happy, happy birthday!!
Everett and Me (It's his drink I'm holding, I swear!)
Everett, Tanya, and me in post-recording bliss!