Shark Variations Reuben Bradley

• 1Begin Again05:46
• 2Meeting at Union Square10:03
• 3Circling In02:52
• 4Don't Be Afraid08:10
• 5Choices04:31
• 6Makos and Hammerheads10:17
• 7Wake up Call09:22
• Total Runtime51:01

Info for Shark Variations

Wellington jazz drummer Reuben Bradley returns with his fourth album, ‘Shark Variations’.

The Shark Variations album was released by Rattle in 2017 and it followed a successful tour by the band a few months earlier. Bradley was in the process of moving to Australia at the time and he was keen to record with longtime collaborators Roger Manins and Bret Hirst. He needed to do this while they were all in the same place and this was his best window of opportunity. Hirst is an expat Kiwi who lives in Sydney, Manins is based in Auckland and Bradley was at that point, about to head for the Gold Coast. Because of their shared history, the musicians knew exactly what they were aiming for; an open-hearted collaborative and spontaneous expression of their art form. That they realised this vision will be apparent to those who listen to the album.

They are incredibly tight and exude a joyful energy, which is palpable to the listener. ‘Shark Variations’ is well titled, as there is a sense of musical danger threading through each piece.

There are moments where Bradley, Manins and Hirst turn on the proverbial dime in an unanticipated direction that surprises and delights.

The absolute standout track is the shark-related Makos And Hammerheads, where the phenomenal interactions of the trio are brought sharply to the foreground, providing goosebump moments.

Throughout this engaging album, the music unashamedly descends from the lineage of 1960s avant-garde jazz, but also continues on its own journey, without the need to conform to a particular ideal. This is a fine addition to Rattle’s jazz catalogue and is a sure bet for anyone wanting a good jazz trio record.

Reuben Bradley, drums
Roger Manins, tenor saxophone
Brett Hirst, bass

Reuben Bradley
Native to Wellington, Reuben Bradley has travelled the world extensively. Drumming with international jazz performers has developed his creativity and passion for new music, whilst international cruise ship work has empowered him with the versatility of a top-notch session musician. These two skills have enabled Reuben to become one of the first call Jazz & Session musicians throughout New Zealand.

Wearing his jazz-hat, Reuben has performed with artists such as Mike Nock (Aus), Bernie McGann (Aus), James Muller (Aus), Matt Penman (US), Kristin Berardi (Aus), Brenda Earle (Canada), James Morrison (Aus), Roger Manins, Charmaine Ford, Jonathan Crayford and Dixon Nacey. His session styles have in turn led to work with Julia Deans, Don McGlashan, Mickey Dolenz (the Monkees), The Coasters, The Drifters, the NZSO, the CSO and Orchestra Wellington.

Bradley's formal education at Massey University (NZSM) culminated in his B.Mus (Jazz Performance 1999) and led in turn to further individual study with rhythmic masters Scott Tinkler (Aus) and Master Jazz Drummer Barry Altschul in NYC. Although being awarded a greatly coveted position on the City College Masters course (NYC), Reuben decided in turn to focus on developing his performance abilities and compositional creativity.

Having performed in every major Jazz Festival in New Zealand, including The Nelson Jazz Festival with The Velox Brothers, Otis, and the Nat King Cole Project, the Wellington International Jazz Festival with Roger Manins and the Tauranga Jazz Festival with Charmaine Ford, Reuben has also performed at major Australian festivals such as Wangaratta and the Melbourne women in Jazz Festival.

This album contains no booklet.