Brad Blume

Brad Blume has released a CD sampler which I recently got an opportunity to enjoy very much. The self titled release includes 3 songs written by Brad in hopes of gaining attention from the music industry.

“I’ve written over a dozen songs of which I am proud,� states Blume. “These are my first 3 studio recordings. I did the sampler because I was advised from a few people I know who make their living in music to start with no more than 3 songs to try and garner attention in the music world. I worked with producer/arranger Jeff Halpern and put together the best players we could in the studio.�

The results are a very enjoyable mix that highlights his talents. The first song titled “Poor Depressed Me� allows Blume to display his country charm, while having fun doing so. Planting his tongue firmly in cheek, Blume paints the lonesome picture of lost love, in a way all his own. The steel guitar and backing vocals add to the enjoyment.

The second song, “Stray Bullet,� is a country ballad which highlights Blume’s vocal talents. His vocals will certainly remind many of James Taylor, one of his favorites for sure.

“As a guy raised in NJ and now living in NYC, I grew up mostly with the music of the 70’s singer/songwriters who I still listen to such as Dan Fogelberg, James Taylor, John Denver, Jim Croce, Neil Young etc,� states Blume. “Later on, I was introduced to the music of Dwight Yoakam by my step-father and listened to Dwight’s album “This Time� over and over. I really loved it and from there started to listen to country legends such as Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and George Jones. Recently I have gotten into Warren Zevon who I feel is a real master songwriter.�

If there were any doubts to the impact Taylor had on Blume, the final cut titled “Lap Dance Lullaby� would fit like a glove into Taylor’s catalog. The vocal inflections, rhythm, and overall vibe are very similar to Taylor, which in this case is a good thing. It is one thing to attempt to do it, but when you do it well like Blume does here, it adds to the appeal.

“I am presently working with a director on a music video for “Lap Dance Lullaby� (a favorite so far amongst the ladies) which I hope to have finished in the next couple of months,� states Blume.

Keep your eyes out for the follow up for Blume. “I also have several more songs to record and would love to get a record or publishing company’s support if possible. If not, I will self produce in the studio again which I then will release in 2010.�
- John Walker - AmericanaRoots.com