Charles Bradley: 2011

Charles Bradley first realized he wanted to go into music when he saw James Brown at The Apollo in the '60s, but reaching that goal was far from immediate. He left home at 14 and spent some time hitchhiking and living on the streets before settling down in Bushwick and finding work as a chef. As the years added up, Charles never gave up on his singing, performing covers around Brooklyn as "Black Velvet."

It was at one of these shows that Gabriel Roth of Daptone Records discovered Charles, and Amy Winehouse collaborator and the Dap King Tommy "TNT" Brenneck signed him to his label. After that, production on Bradley's debut album began, with his soulful voice back by members of the Menahan Street Band and Budos Band.

The full album is No Time For Dreaming and ahead of its release, Charles, Tommy and the Menehan Street Band brough a horn section and all in Studio A to perform live.

[recorded: 11/18/10]