artist Bradford Monk

Bradford Monk is a Canadian born singer/songwriter.  His style is an upbeat country songwriter who’s stories and imagery takes you places far and wide and make you feel for the people he writes about.  In his latest release, ‘July to June’ Monk took the Union Band into the Blue Rodeo studio in Toronto.  With long time producer Gerry Mosby (bass), Blue Rodeo drummer Glenn Miltchem, Burke Carroll, pedal steel and Joey Serlin on Electric Guitar, they put together this collection of songs that range from more traditional country (Cold, Cold Heart) to Americana Rock (July to June)  this is the third record from Brad Monk who writes and performs his own work.  His last CD ‘Down to the River’ was a collection of stories and tales that touched on both gospel and classic country songwriting.  Monk is soon to release his fourth record.  A true bluegrass album that he worked with Canada’s own Bluegrass sensation, The Foggy Hogtown Boy,s to be released in early in 2011.

“Writing a Bluegrass record is something I’ve always wanted to do”, said Monk from his home studio.  “I was brought up listening to very traditional bluegrass songwriters and country singers.  I love the simplicity of the stories and the big sounds you can get from such a small band.  Playing with the Foggies was a highlight in my career.  Hopefully people like listening to it as much as we had fun in the studio.  I wrote a lot of the record after seeing the (The Foggies) play at their record release in June at Hugh’s Room.  I was inspired to see such talent bunch of performers put together such a unique show. There aren’t many players around who can keep up with those guys.  I wanted to make a Bluegrass record that didn’t sound ‘like’ a bluegrass record but was the real deal.  There are a lot of rules when it comes to Bluegrass songs and arrangements.  Things that set it apart from being simply country music played quickly.  This record holds true to all those traditions”.

“Bradford Monk and the Foggy Hogtown Boys” will be available in the new year.