An interview with Bradley Young by Barbara Weigand "The grass is always greener..." The adage used when, dissatisfied with our current lot, we seek greener pastures elsewhere, usually only to find, like the Wizard's Dorothy, that "There's no place like home." Perhaps this sentiment was created by Midwesterners trying to justify to ourselves why we stay huddled, like so many pigeons under the el tracks, through bleak 2nd city winters, rather than spread our wings and fly, like saner snowbirds, to more comfortable and glitzier climes. Secretly we may relish the audacity of those brave vagabond friends who venture out to Emerald Cities to find that, what we assured them would be a tarnished facade beneath tinsel town's glitter, is actually solid gold.
Within Chicago's crowded flock of society band leaders, only one has felt compelled to explore beyond the friendly confines of his home town. With more than a modicum of success under his belt, Chicago-bred jazz pianist and bandleader, Bradley Young, decided to fly west after more than a decade of recognition as leader of the Bradley Young Orchestra, one of the premier "big bands" in the Chicagoland area.
"I grew up in Chicago, both literally and professionally. It will always be home. But living in LA has opened new doors and broadened my perspective and allowed me to push the envelope artistically. The music scene is very different in L.A., and I've benefited from that as a pianist at the same time, I'm absolutely committed to the work I do in Chicago. In fact, now more than ever."
Bradley's story has been often told. One of Chicago's most popular bandleaders, he began studying piano at Northwestern University at the age of 5. He continued piano studies through his teens, leading to a 3-yr. stint at Boston's renowned Berklee College of Music where he studied composition and music theory. Upon returning to Chicago, he made his way through the jazz club circuit, ultimately landing his first "society gig" at the elegant Continental Plaza Consort Room (now the Westin Hotel), where Chicago's movers & shakers dined and danced. "Franz Bentler performed there Tuesday through Saturday, and we played the off nights," says Bradley. "This is where I first learned to play dance music." It was then that Bradley met famed Chicago bandleader, Stanley Paul, who became a mentor and set Brad on the course of becoming an orchestra leader. The rest is history... so far.
Los Angeles has broadened Young's already formidable perspective on how to put together entertainment for a great party. The Bradley Young Orchestra has performed for some of the most prestigious special events on both sides of the Mississippi, including the Kentucky Derby Governor's Ball, Colorado Symphony Ball in Denver, The Deutsche Bank International Gala in Las Vegas, The Triumph of the Spirit Gala in Los Angeles honoring actress Sharon Stone, and a host of events entertaining stars & starlets, including Bette Midler, Gary Shandling, Brooke Shields, Teri Hatcher, Sylvester Stallone, Clint Eastwood, Sigourney Weaver, Geena Davis and others. But then Brad's orchestra has done an even broader array of glittering events right here in Chitown, including the CSO Opening Night Gala, The Rita Hayworth Gala, The Goodman Theatre Benefit, The American Heart Ball, Chicago International Film Festival, Lincoln Park Zoo Ball, Steppenwolf Theatre Gala... the list goes on and on, not to mention a host of society weddings.
"My work in Chicago really is more about community, but I think you have to feel a strong sense of self to successfully share your talents with and nurture those of others. In LA, I'm viewed more as a pianist and recording artist. Here I'm viewed as a bandleader and music director. I enjoy both roles, but as a bandleader there's a different level of responsibility. It's not just about making great music or entertaining, though we certainly do that. What I mean is, I work with some of the best talent in this city, and I love that, working with them as peers, as well as the mentoring that accompanies leadership. But there are also all the details that come with running a business to take care of. The parties and events we perform at are very important to the people that hire us, so we want to do the best job possible for them. We help transform these parties into powerfully memorable events. It doesn't matter if it's a huge, black-tie ball, or a smaller wedding. We're there to help fulfill a goal, whether it's to raise money for a worthy cause or create a wonderful memory a couple can look back on at their 25th wedding anniversary. That's what community is all about."
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