Gary Bradford – “I Am Loved”
Today officially marks 15 years since my first posting on here, it is also my sixth and final Gary Bradford LP in my collection. I usually won’t do more than one of my big artists in my collection per year, as you know this year I’ve already done one. (Plus a single from that LP) But, much like my first post, Gary has always held a special place in my heart and my collection, and with this truly fitting title to the album, “I Am Loved” it only makes sense to celebrate writing this blog for 15 years (give or take the few years I didn’t write – but I still kept the site up and running) with Gary Bradford.
The A-Side opens with Gary singing Bill Gaither’s “I Am Loved” which is also the title track, and Gary delivers those fantastic vocals of his. The piano playing on this track is perfectly fitting with this song. He does pick up the pace and vocals on this one a bit, and he’s just amazing. “Wait’ll You See My Brand New Home” opens with some great steel guitar, as we are once more greeted by Gary’s vocals, and it’s a nice song delivered by such a gifted man. I will also note that Gary was only 15 when he recorded this album. The country pick up in this song is something that really draws you in, Gary’s vocals on the chorus just blow me away. “Finally Home” comes next, and Gary dials back the pacing of the album, delivering a slower song to showcase his vocal range as he progressively delivers higher notes that truly compliment his voice. Gary does return to the song “One Day at A Time” – and much like his first version of this Kris Kristofferson song, Gary once more proves he has the vocal chops to deliver the song, he is backed by a wonderful band. We close out the A-Side with another slower song, “Holly Spirit Thou Art Welcome” – and I’m sure it’s meant to say “Holy Spirit” – but the back cover does not list it as so. Gary continues to show his beautiful vocal range and gift.
The B-Side opens with “Show A Little Kindness” – and I believe this song really shows who Gary truly was, not only was he a gifted vocalist with a powerful voice, but he was a kind man and good friend. The guitar playing in this song is off the hook by the way. I love when Gary does these upbeat, fast paced songs like this. “The Blood ‘Power in the Blood’ (Medley)” comes next, and Gary just gives one fantastic song after another, but this time he gives us a whole medley of fantastic songs, backed still by some of the best musicians. I do feel instrumentally, that this has to be one of the best backing bands that Gary has had with him. “I Am A Promise” comes next, and I do think this song is almost kind of like a testimonial for Gary, because he definitely was a promise and a gift to us all. “Standing on the Solid Rock” comes next, and it starts off slowly, but it does pick up and Gary does his thing and gives us yet another fantastic song, delivered with his powerful vocals. The album closes out with “Hallelujah Square” and it’s another slower song, it’s another emotionally deep song and it is one of the classic Gospel songs. Gary does a great job.
Thank you all for reading along for the last 15 years, and here is to hopefully another 15!
Catalog Number:
LP-1003
Credits:
Producer – Darrel Bledsoe for Sunflower Records
Acoustic & Lead Guitar – Darrell Puett
Bass Guitar – Gary Brown
Drums – Alan Littlefield
Piano & Arrangements – Glen Adams
Brass & Strings – Ludwig Sound
Steel Guitar – Tommy Melder
Background Singers – BB & Company
Photography – Val’s Studio
Cover Art & Calligraphy – Carolyn Case
Recorded at Ludwig Sounds
Released:
1979
Find it on Discogs
