Blackwater Surprise

Amazon.com
The former members of the Detroit alternative rock band Second Self were working on demos for a new record deal in 1992 when they stumbled across a blind street singer a few blocks from their studio. The young musicians were so struck by the older man's raspy, booming, soulful voice that they invited him into the studio to record a few tracks. The resultant quintet, Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise is named after the veteran busker and is dominated by his anachronistic, bluesy growl and his eccentric songwriting. Like the late street-singer-turned-major-label artist Ted Hawkins, Bradley is not a blues traditionalist. He loves the soul music of the '60s and '70s, but the experience of playing that material on an acoustic guitar on sidewalks created a hybrid sound that's neither old folk nor new pop. And when he started writing his own songs in this weird genre, he came up with arrestingly personal testimony, like his plea to the "Governor" to turn his electricity back on before the singer's woman walks out on him. Or his memories of his youth "Once Upon a Time" when Marvin Gaye sang and the world was full of dreams that slipped through our hands. Because Bradley's bandmates come out of a different tradition, they avoid the usual R&B clichés. They also provide surprisingly sympathetic, admirably restrained backing to his peculiar vision. --Geoffrey Himes

Blackwater Surprise,Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise,RCA,American Trad Rock,Modern Electric Blues,Pop,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop,Soul

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Average customer rating: Blues/Rock fusion at its finest. Didn't this used to be the Motown sound? Awesome--10-5-00 Wow! Never heard of these guys before, but their GRRRREAT!

Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise Robert Bradley Manufacturer: © 1996 BMG Entertainment / RCA Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Still Lovin' You New Ground Time to Discover Lackawanna Blues Live ASIN: B000002WZ1 Release Date: 1996-09-17

Tracks:

1. Bellybone
2. Comin' Down
3. California
4. Shake It Off
5. Once Upon A Time
6. Trouble Brother
7. Way Back
8. Governor
9. Burn
10. After Your Love
11. For The Night

Amazon.com

The former members of the Detroit alternative rock band Second Self were working on demos for a new record deal in 1992 when they stumbled across a blind street singer a few blocks from their studio. The young musicians were so struck by the older man's raspy, booming, soulful voice that they invited him into the studio to record a few tracks. The resultant quintet, Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise is named after the veteran busker and is dominated by his anachronistic, bluesy growl and his eccentric songwriting. Like the late street-singer-turned-major-label artist Ted Hawkins, Bradley is not a blues traditionalist. He loves the soul music of the '60s and '70s, but the experience of playing that material on an acoustic guitar on sidewalks created a hybrid sound that's neither old folk nor new pop. And when he started writing his own songs in this weird genre, he came up with arrestingly personal testimony, like his plea to the "Governor" to turn his electricity back on before the singer's woman walks out on him. Or his memories of his youth "Once Upon a Time" when Marvin Gaye sang and the world was full of dreams that slipped through our hands. Because Bradley's bandmates come out of a different tradition, they avoid the usual R&B clichés. They also provide surprisingly sympathetic, admirably restrained backing to his peculiar vision. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

Blues/Rock fusion at its finest........2002-07-16

Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise is just that, a surprise. I first caught RBBS on Mtv a few years ago, when the video for "California" was being played.(Back when Mtv actually played music with out intrusive artist voice-overs or worthless man-on-the-street shout outs taking up 25% of the screen!) I became absolutely enthralled with this music. In this age of rap/rock [copiers] and divas screaming out re-hashed versions of songs that [stunk] the first time around, RBBS is a refreshing trip back to the days when music was about expression and storytelling, not money. I HIGHLY recommend this album, and all the other albums this band has released, to anyone interested in finding out what music was like before musicians were required to pump out as much radio-friendly drivel as possible to fulfill their contractual obligations.

Didn't this used to be the Motown sound?.......2001-01-08

The first word that popped into my mind when I heard this album (completely by accident) was "funky!" An amazing rhythm and sound that any blues lover shouldn't do without! Who's responsible for hiding these guys from the general public??

Awesome--10-5-00.......2000-10-06

A good friend of mine introduced me to this album about 2 months ago and I can't get enough of it. I believe this album to be the all-time best blues album I have ever heard. "Governor" may be the best blues song in music history as far as I am concerned. Buy this album, you will not regret it.

Wow!.......2000-09-14

Buy this CD. You won't be disappointed. It rocks! The LIVE CD is also worth owning.

Never heard of these guys before, but their GRRRREAT!.......2000-07-09

I am so in love with the sound that this band produces. The deep, soulfull, and simple lyrics are just plain wonderful. I happend upon this band by accident, but they are now one of my favorites. They conjure images of soothing California sun, and rockin good times everywhere. This, their first album is totally worth every penny!

Average customer rating: Higher and Hiatt Eclectic compilation Hit and Miss...but pretty good. A mixed bag, but good overall. A solid tribute effort reminds you how good Hiatt is

It'll Come To You: The Songs of John Hiatt Various Artists Manufacturer: Vanguard Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Evangeline Made: A Tribute to Cajun Music Rollin' into Memphis: Songs of John Hiatt Impossible Dream Flaming Red 1000 Kisses ASIN: B00008QXJO Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

1. Thing Called Love - Bonnie Raitt
2. The Most Unoriginal Sin - Willie Nelson
3. She Loves The Jerk - Rodney Crowell
4. The Way We Make A Broken Heart - Rosanne Cash
5. When We Ran - Linda Ronstadt
6. Riding With The King - Eric Clapton/B.B. King
7. Icy Blue Heart - Emmylou Harris
8. She Don't Love Nobody - Nick Lowe and His Cowboy Outfit
9. Across The Borderline - Freddy Fender
10. Feels Like Rain - Buddy Guy
11. Take It Down - Patty Griffin
12. It'll Come To You - Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise
13. Paper Thin - Buddy & Julie Miller

Customer Reviews:

Higher and Hiatt.......2005-11-24

While no-one does Hiatt as good as Hiatt, this isn't what this album's about at all. It's about paying homage to one hell of a songwriter, in their own way. Even though this latest tribute is not the strongest of three, I for one am rapt at some interpratations of Hiatt's songs. If you like Hiatt get this!! Also get Rolling into Memphis and Love Gets Strange. Two former tributes. Every tracks a winner!!!

Eclectic compilation.......2003-11-11

This is a great CD--really highlighting John's writing. Each rendition brings a new level of perspective to his words and surfaces his amazing lyrics, separate from John the singer. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who loves an eclectic blend of music.

Hit and Miss...but pretty good........2003-09-25

Overall, it's a well done tribute to Hiatt with a great roster of artists lending their talents. But, as usual with tribute albums, you quickly realize that nobody does it like the original. Having said that, there are some excellent tracks on this disc:
-Patty Griffin's "Take it Down" is definitely the standout here....it's almost good enough to rival the original.
-Clapton/King's "Riding With the King"
-Emmylou Harris is great on "Icy Blue Heart"

This disc is for the die-hard Hiatt fans who already have all of Hiatt's stuff....new folks should go for "Slow Turning" "Walk On" or "..Gruff Exterior"

A mixed bag, but good overall........2003-08-19

.
The album starts badly with Buddy and Julie Miller proving they can't get close to the electrifying original of 'Paper Thin'. The title track is another let down, and Buddy Guy's 'Feels Like Rain' fails to live up to Hiatt's own version. Can't blame them all for trying though.
Bonnie Raitt's stonking remake of 'Thing Called Love' is so good you can forgive its inclusion while wishing that more of the album was Hiatt's obscurer songs like Patty Griffin's lovely 'Take it Down' and Roseanne Cash's 'This is the Way We Make a Broken Heart'. Hiatt's well-known songs are well-known because he did such a great version. Trying to improve on them is a waste of time, though Rodney Crowell has a good stab at it on 'She Loves the Jerk'.
It's an interesting album for Hiatt fans, but one that will probably have them backtracking to the originals to hear the songs done properly, for the most part.

A solid tribute effort reminds you how good Hiatt is.......2003-07-02

Here's the problem--tribute albums rarely equal or surpass the original numbers by the original artist. It'll Come To You is no exception. While its best moments are as good as Hiatt's originals, they still don't improve on them. Much like the Richard Thompson tribute Beat the Retreat, It'll Come to You does what the best tribute albums always do---make you want to go back and rediscover the originals. It also allows you to discover artists new to you that you might not have given the consideration to.

The usual suspects are here--from Bonnie Raitt's rollicking remake of Thing Called Love (the best remake of a Hiatt tune I've heard outside of the King/Clapton collaboration Riding with the King). Raitt's remake is--pardon the gender confusion--the King of all the remakes here.Rodney Crowell's She Loves the Jerk and Emmylou's Icy Blue Heart are the Court Jester and Queen of this deck of Hiatt cards.

There are other treasures here as well including Buddy & Julie Miller's unexpected remake of Paper Thin. Freddie Fender's cover of Across the Border brings class to the entire collection. It's nicely done tribute to a talented artist who deserved one a long, long time ago.

Average customer rating: Don't walk, run to get this!

What About That: New Year's Eve In Bloomington Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise Manufacturer: KUFALA Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise Still Lovin' You New Ground Live Time to Discover ASIN: B000ELJ3K8 Release Date: 2006-03-14

Tracks:

1. Higher
2. Trouble Brother
3. Still Lovin You (Robert solo)
4. Once Upon A Time
5. Way Back
6. For The Night
7. Ride
8. Once Upon A Time (acoustic)
9. New Orleans
10. What About The Man
11. Will the Circle Be Unbroken (a capella)

Product Description

An immediate must-have for fans of Detroit-based soul-man Robert Bradley, the two-disc What About That: New Year's Eve in Bloomington spans the blind, growly voiced singer’s career, while also featuring several previously unreleased tracks, including an infectious cover of Joe South’s “Games People Play”, a stunning a cappella rendering of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” and the moving original “What About the Man” two of five solo and acoustic tracks recorded during soundcheck and collected on disc two. (Also included in that batch is an acoustic version of “Once Upon a Time” and “New Orleans” an ode to the Crescent City that Robert wrote some 10 years before Katrina). Finding the 56-year-old Bradley taking his Bloomington faithful to church on electrifying versions of “Once Upon a Time” and “Comin' Down” What About That: New Year's Eve in Bloomington features an expanded version of the Blackwater Surprise (augmented by backing vocalists, a second guitarist and percussionists) and a cover of Elmore James' “Something Inside Me."

Customer Reviews:

Don't walk, run to get this!.......2006-09-22

These two discs are really full of wonderful musical energy. The live New Year's Eve performance at one of my old favorites convey's the party that either was truly going in person or certainly going on between Mr Bradley and his musicians. Other than the typical rude undergraduate working on her Communication degree and unfortunately heard while Mr Bradley was performing his solo, the selections are flawless and tight. Mr Bradley's voice reminds me of Joe Cocker performed correctly. And tough guys, if the homage to Marvin Gaye et al does not draw tears on you, you are a schmuck who shouldn't even be allowed the privilege of music in the first place. I remember...

I cannot recommend this more. You'll hear the soul and sensibilities of artists like the Staples Singers and Bill Withers. You'll hear tight blues, you'll hear gospel, you'll hear another time of your life when you were younger and in a very hopeful and bright tone. Thank you Robert Bradley and your Blackwater Surprise. You made me wish I was in Bloomington again studying Anthropology and having gyros at the Trojan Horse!

Average customer rating: Robert Bradley: Love him or not?

Still Lovin' You Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise Manufacturer: Vanguard Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: New Ground Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise Time to Discover Lackawanna Blues Live ASIN: B0000DJZCE Release Date: 2003-11-11

Tracks:

1. All I Wanna Do
2. I Thank You
3. Still Lovin' You
4. When You Love Something
5. Pretender
6. Anna
7. Virginia
8. Don't Take Your Love Away
9. Work It Out
10. Hollywood

Customer Reviews:

Robert Bradley: Love him or not?.......2007-01-11

Being a Robert Bradley fan automatically makes me own this album. His soulful sound should be experienced! It's not my favorite album, but still has the characteristic flavor you expect from him.

Average customer rating: RBBS...what more can I say? Yes, it is time incredible Perfect make-out record TIME IS JUST WHAT WE NEED

Time to Discover Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise Still Lovin' You New Ground What About That: New Year's Eve In Bloomington Live ASIN: B00004RCXU Release Date: 2000-03-21

Tracks:

1. Higher
2. Ride
3. Baby
4. Gambler
5. You & Me
6. Take Love And Receive It
7. Time To Discover
8. Ultimate Sacrifice
9. Mr. Tony
10. Tramp 2
11. Uncle John
12. Bonus Track 1

Customer Reviews:

RBBS...what more can I say?.......2005-03-07

Just saw the man last night live and WOW! Not only is he a great performer with a voice that tells many tales of lost love and lessons learned, but the man is quite a character. Funny, honest, and most of all HUMAN. I've been wanting to see him perform live and finally got the chance last night. I've been listening to his music since "Time to Discover" came out. His blend of the blues, R&B, soul and rock makes for a night of good music. His band was simply the best too.

Buy all of Robert Bradley's releases and listen...really listen. He is awesome.

Yes, it is time.......2004-11-03

This album not only features Detroit's own Kid Rock it contains Pride and Love for the city. With 6 discs in my cd player, this one was getting the most air time. I listen to a very ecclectic array of music and enjoy opening others to new music. Time to Discover is among a favorite of everyone. This is a must for any self-proclaimed music afficienado. I have seen them perform many of these songs with Kid and I may say I am better for it. Get this album. The first one is very good too.

incredible.......2003-02-22

listen and listen well. I have found quite possibly the single best artist of the 21st century. Robert Bradley is a blind southerner who sings the raspy blues of women, life, and love. I ran across his song "Baby" on a live compilation CD of a bunch of bands from some concert in San Francisco. In the song, the basic idea is that he is trying to get laid. "Baby, its alright. Maybe, you could stay here tonight." I was so engulfed with his heart-felt honesty that I bought 2 of his full length CD's. On the indredible rhapsody "Exist for Love", he becomes a little political with his lyrics: "I don't know why a woman would want to act like a man. But I say go ahead. 'Cause I exist for love." He is not following Platonian dialectical philosophy, nor is he right-wingedly condemning society. He is an old-town soothsayer who is reminiscent of a man with a cob pipe sitting in a rocking chair at the general store. His time-worn voice and forced rhymes give him a human imperfection that is refreshing in today's media mogul society. I cannot stress how much I endorse this man, his music, and the lessons we can all learn from his simplistic doctrine.

Perfect make-out record.......2002-05-15

Every man has had this dilemma. You go on a date, it's goes well, and somehow, through some Divine miracle, the fine young lady you've taken out agrees to come back to your place. So you escort her into your bachelor pad, light some candles, find the two leftover microbrews still in your fridge (next to all the malt liquor and leftover chow fun), and prepare to make your move.

But what music do you play? Do you bust out the old copy of Master of Puppets? Bad idea. Marley? Yeah, it's good, but everybody makes out to Bob Marley. Even your parents have, and that's a horrifying thought. Do you play easy listening, like Kenny G? No, because no man would be caught dead with garbage like that in his CD collection. How about Radiohead? That would probably make her jump out the window. You could do the Stones, but you may want to save that in case you make some real progress.

So that leaves you with two options. You can play Lenny Kravitz, which is just fine. But really, what you want to play is a little Blackwater Surprise. Time to Discover is a perfect record for seduction. It's not too loud, not boring, and everyone who hears it likes it. The first two songs, "Higher," and "Ride," are hard edged blues that keep the atmosphere lively (so you can finish a drink, or six). But by the third track "Baby," the album practically cues you to start your romancin'. The album stays mellow and warm from that point on, and suddenly you've become a regular casanova.

And here's the best part. While you're scoring some liplocks, she'll pipe up and ask, "Hey, what's this?" Then you tell her what it is, and she'll say, "Hey, it's pretty good." Congrats. You're officially a good kisser AND you have good taste. It works like a charm, every time. Don't forget to thank the band for a successful evening, you lady-killer, you.

TIME IS JUST WHAT WE NEED.......2002-04-19

THIS ALBUM IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST IN THE LAST 10 YEARS. BRADLEYS VOCALS AND SONG WRITING ARE SUPERB. THE BAND ARE ALSO FINE MUSICIANS. STAND OUT TRACKS ARE BABY, TRAMP 2, ULTIMATE SACRIFICE, BUT ALMOST ALL THE THE SONGS ARE STRONG. THIS IS THE KIND OF MUSIC THAT SORELEY MISSED IN TODAYS SAPPY POP RADIO. TOO BAD HE IS NOT MORE WELL KNOWN. IF YOU LIKE ROCK/BLUES/ACOUSTIC SOUNDS BLENDED WITH A GREAT VOCALIST YOU WILL ENJOY THIS ONE. RBBS FAN

Average customer rating:

KFOG Live from the Archives 8 (Limited Edition) Better Than Ezra , Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise , Train , Melissa Etheridge , Blues Traveler , and Susan Tedeschi Manufacturer: Sus ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: KFOG 104.5/97.7 Live From The Archives 7 Live From The Archives 9 KFOG: Live from the Archives 6 (KFOG 104.5/97.7) Kfog Live From the Archives 12 KFOG Live from the Archives Volume 11 (KFOG 104.5/97.7) ASIN: B00005RE02 Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

1. Babylon - David Gray
2. Like Humans Do - David Byrne
3. Love Is Alive - Joan Osborne
4. Everyday - Dave Matthews
5. Was - Kenny Wayne Shepherd
6. Love My Way - The Psychedelic Furs
7. Message Of Love - Pretenders
8. Friend Of The Devil - Phil Lesh & Friends
9. Stranger Than You - Joe Jackson
10. Yellow - Coldplay
11. Misunderstood - Better Than Ezra
12. Baby - Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise
13. Respect - Train
14. Chrome Plated Heart - Melissa Etheridge
15. Back In The Day - Blues Traveler
16. Angel From Montgomery - Susan Tedeschi

Album Description

KFOG Live from the Archives 8 features prominent performers recorded live at KFOG Private Concerts and live broadcasts including Dave Matthews, Melissa Etheridge, Train and others—16 tracks in all. The recording artists donated their rare live tracks to the project, which is expected to raise some $400,000 for Bay Area Food Banks. This is the 8th CD in a series of rare KFOG discs that premiered in San Francisco in 1994. Over the past seven years, KFOG Live from the Archives has raised more than $1.5 million for Bay Area Food Banks. Last year, KFOG and Bay Area Food Banks were honored with the National Association of Broadcasters prestigious “Service to America Partnership Award” for this project.

Average customer rating:

It'll Come to You - The Songs of John Hiatt Buddy & Julie Miller , Patty Griffin , Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise , Linda Ronstadt , Eric Clapton & B.B. King , Buddy Guy , Bonnie Raitt , Emmylou Harris , Rodney Crowell , and Rosanne Cash Manufacturer: Vanguard Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music ASIN: B000FDOM88

Product Description

It'll Come To You - The Songs of John Hiatt // 1. Paper Thin - Buddy & Julie Miller 2. Take It Down - Patty Griffin 3. It'll Come To You - Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise 4. When We Ran - Linda Ronstadt 5. Riding With The King - Eric Clapton & B.B. King 6. Feels Like Rain - Buddy Guy 7. Thing Called Love - Bonnie Raitt 8. Icy Blue Heart - Emmylou Harris 9. She Loves The Jerk - Rodney Crowell 10. The Way We Make A Broken Heart - Rosanne Cash 11. The Most Unoriginal Sin - Willie Nelson 12. She Don't Love Nobody - Nick Lowe and His Cowboy Outfit 13. Across The Borderline - Freddy Fender

Average customer rating:

Believing in Detroit:A Tribute to Vladdy and Sergei Suicide Machines , Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise , Grinder Featuring Darren McCarty , Five Horse Johnson , Jill Jack , Karen Newman , Howling Diablos , Speedball , Walk On Water , and Hockey Daddy Manufacturer: JFW ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000JGT1LO

Product Description

19 track audio cd. Songs are:1)Our Time-Suicide Machines, 2)Shake It Off-Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise, 3)Green Bottle-Howling Diablos, 4)Highway 80-Walk On Water, 5)Step Outside-Grinder Featuring Darren McCarty, 6)Ventura-Big Block, 7)Heart of Chrome-Speedball, 8)You're to Me-Scott Fab, 9)Rosie-Jill Jack, 10)Let Me Down easy-Karen Newman, 11)Leftovers-Horrse, 12)Legacy-A.L.O., 13)Skatin'-Hockey Daddy, 14)Longhorn-K.O.B., 15)Downstone Blues-Five Horse Johnson, 16)Butterfly-Ebeling Hughes, 17)Soothing-Caelum Bliss, 18)It Always Is-Variac, 19)Satellite-Fletcher Pratt.

Average customer rating: RBBS has Everything The Sound of 'New Ground' Feel The Fire! Surprise BWS-Blackwater SuRprise (New Ground)

New Ground Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise Manufacturer: Vanguard Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music Jambands | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Still Lovin' You Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise Time to Discover Live Lackawanna Blues ASIN: B00005V62Y Release Date: 2002-02-05

Tracks:

1. Train
2. See Her
3. Profile
4. Lindy
5. Feel The Fire
6. Exist For Love
7. Nightlife
8. Willy Lee
9. Ride My Wave
10. Fast Lane
11. Young Girls
12. Born In America

Amazon.com

Former busker Robert Bradley and his Blackwater Surprise band take a different track on their third outing. Instead of rejuvenating classic soul and R&B-based funk by fusing it with sprawling blues romps, they take a trip to the Temptations' psychedelic shack and bring back some souvenirs. Not only have they added spacey sound samples--the kind that accompanied George Clinton's Mothership on its travels--but they use some contrivances right at hand for an interesting, post-millennial edge. Not since Jane's Addiction's "Got Caught Stealing" has a canine been put to such good use as a percussive instrument as on "Lindy," where a swampy piano, handclaps, and some fuzzy guitar are carried along by a well-trained pooch who barks on the beat. The shimmering "Ride My Wave" approaches trip-hop, as Bradley hypnotically chants in a style that approaches Marvin Gaye at his sensuous best. Bradley and his alternative-rockers still explore rhythms that showcase this grizzled blues singer's emotive mastery, but they've gone a little further afield for inspiration. What's the Blackwater Surprise? That these disparate parts fit so seamlessly. --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews:

RBBS has Everything.......2003-06-02

I'm 39 years old. After listening to this CD, my dreamy trip back in time was over and I longed for more. You remember the days when things were fine and simple and everything seemed great? It was melodic, soulful, grooving, and it rocked. It personally holds a special place in my heart because of it's nostalgic properties. I can relate to what Robert Bradley is saying in his lyrics - they convey something that is pure, honest and true. Robert delivers a good mixture of moods and topics and sings [...]. He even pays tribute to this great country in the CD's closing song, "Born In America" - It's a laid back groove that takes me back in time on a trip of my great life in America and escalates to a closing instrumental jam of dreamy harmonica, keyboard, guitar/bass and drums. All the musicians are fantastic! The backing vocals are superb as well. Not to mention the nature drenched sound effects (dogs and crickets) which evoke a nice sunny afternoon or moonlit night somewhere in a beautiful countryside. Thanks for the great album, guys ..Your music really struck a chord with me!

The Sound of 'New Ground'.......2002-12-05

When we stumbled upon this relatively unknown group after the release of their last CD, , we were flat-out knocked-out by them. Naturally we would have expected this album to be a prime pick as well. And, though this is a good album, it simply falls short in a couple of ways. First, it appears that some personnel changes have disrupted the chemistry and neither the material nor the performances nor the production are as strong as last time out. Although the band continues to take chances by pushing 60s and 70s style soul music into the 21st century with daring and interesting production choices(ergo the album's title, we suppose), some of these choices distract more than support. More disturbing, the recording itself seems to take Bradley's amazing voice and to muffle, bury, or distort it. This is unwise. It is akin to having Julia Roberts star in one's movie dressed in a burqa. Nevertheless, as we are certain that Ms.Roberts' sparkling smile would somehow still manage to shine through, so do Bradley's gritty, stirring vocals--as powerful as any in soul music today and reason enough to purchase this album.

Feel The Fire!.......2002-05-16

I never heard of Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise until we received a new tape at work one day to play in the store, and two songs from this album were on it. Once I heard them, I had to find out what this band was all about. I'm so glad I did too. I now own two of their CDs, and I love them. Robert Bradley has soul and his voice will amaze you. From old country mixed with blues to upbeat soul and funk. RBBS has it all.

Surprise.......2002-03-10

I bought this CD after hearing one cut(Train) on the radio.I usually always regret doing that after hearing the entire CD, but not this time. Robert Bradley's voice is amazing. He ain't the smooth pop crooner. It's rich, ragged, and soulful and able to wrap around each song and melody. Whether wailing a lament or getting soft and sweet, he always gets it true.

The band is good, more than proficient, and get in some good licks. I get the feeling that Bradley's vocals and the band's chops really get off on each other. I was also surprised but the very classy production. Each song seems to have it's own sound, tempo, mood that sets it apart from the other tracks.

Good work! I look forward to more great music from these guys.

BWS-Blackwater SuRprise (New Ground).......2002-03-08

This was the first time I had ever heard of Robert Bradley's cd I think he is great...Great voice and makes me feel good.Very glad I purchased this cd...

Average customer rating: RBBS EP Rocks! A must have for Robert Bradley fans real rock that everyone can relate to! no flash just real! awesome E X C E L L E N T!!!!!!!!

Live Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise New Ground Still Lovin' You Time to Discover What About That: New Year's Eve In Bloomington ASIN: B00000I9DV Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

1. Shake It Off
2. Comin' Down
3. California
4. For The Night
5. For You
6. Trouble Brother

Customer Reviews:

RBBS EP Rocks!.......2000-06-29

Anyone who is a fan of RBBS has to own this live show. It definitely captures their "live" spirit. That's what makes this band rock! Caught them in Birmingham, AL at City Stages and they were by far the best act among names like James Brown, Edwin McCain, The Supremes, Sawyer Brownm, etc.

A must have for Robert Bradley fans.......1999-07-17

This short EP is well worth the reasonable price. I would not suggest this purchase until you own the first album, but if you liked the first album its a must get. I've seen the band live once and I'd say this album captures them very well.

real rock that everyone can relate to! no flash just real!.......1999-05-10

These guys are the real thing they just get up there and pour out soulfull,genuine rock&roll(what a idea)I was totally impressed by the talent here,dont be suprised to see these guys go huge! Move over Hootie its time for the real thing.

awesome.......1999-04-01

RBBWS rocks!! I've seen the band several times and this recording captures the band at it's best. I can't wait for them to hit Chicago again.

E X C E L L E N T!!!!!!!!.......1999-03-26

THE cd IS GREAT, I ENJOY ALL SIX SONGS AND rbbs IS GREAT!!!

Christian Music:

1. Bobby Brown - Greatest Hits
2. Bobby Womack - Greatest Hits
3. Brian McKnight
4. Chapter II
5. Chapter One-Love Pain & Forgiveness
6. Chi-Lites - Greatest Hits
7. Chris Brown [Content/Copy-Protected CD]
8. Cold Heat: Heavy Funk Rarities, Vol. 1: 1968-1974
9. Complete Goldwax Singles
10. Copasetik & Cool

Christian Music

christian music

Christian Music

Songs of Love and Death [Import]

Entretiens: French harpsichord music 1656-1705

Frisco Bound

Appalachian Rain

Fresh and Funky Dance Anthems [Import]

Floral Breeze

La Donna Invisible [Soundtrack]

Hip Li'l Dreams

Harbor Lights

Go to Heaven [Import] [Limited Edition] [Original recording remastered]

Gold Medal [Enhanced]

El Gigante Norteno

Gas Chamber [Explicit Lyrics]

Greatest Hits

The One and Only Tommy Dorsey