“The words “overnight sensation” and “blues act” seldom appear in the same sentence.

A case in point is Vancouver’s Bradley McGillivray Blues Band, a wickedly good act fronted by guitarist Sheldon Bradley and powerhouse vocalist Ruth McGillivray.

Their last album, the Bill Buckingham-produced Livin’ This Way, was cited by Real Blues Magazine as one of the best Canadian blues albums of 2008.  Based on repeated plays of several tracks, I’m inclined to agree.”

– Doug Gallant

“…Of the dozens of Vancouver-based bands we’ve heard in the last 16 years the Bradley McGillivray Blues Band is one of the strongest. Actually, they’re Top 5, based on this powerhouse CD…

“Livin’ This Way” is easily one of the Best Canadian Blues albums not just of 2008, but also of the last several years. We can hope that this excellent Band gets ‘pole-vaulted’ out of the tough grind of club gigs and get their wonderful sound in front of Festival audiences (especially in Europe where they’ll be appreciated for their talents). 5 Bottles for a surprisingly tough, tight and totally enjoyable CD that’s as fresh and unique as it gets.”

– A. Grigg

Sheldon Bradley and Ruth McGillivray (BMcG) are veteran performers, on guitars and voice respectively, and I think with this, their second CD, they’re going to make an impact. They write excellent original songs and deliver them with drive and passion. BMcG are based in Vancouver and with the help of their new rhythm section, Paul Freeman on bass and Hoto Parker on drums with Darryl Havers & producer Bill Buckingham helping out on keys, have put together one fine album. McGillivray credits Susan Tedeschi and Janis Joplin as formative influences and she certainly has the vocal power she needs to carry these songs. Bradley credits Robben Ford & Warren Haynes and has certainly learned to harness his guitar playing to the needs of the song.

“There’s a nice balance between Ruth McGillivray and Sheldon Bradley. Her vocals are imposing while his guitar licks are smooth with a jazz influence, slightly reminiscent of the little-known but great Jerry Miller of Moby Grape. Augmented by organ and a tight rhythm section, Livin’ This Way has a funky groove that has been thickened by producer Bill Buckingham. It’s probably not fair to focus on bonus track, “Piece of My Heart,” as the originals stand up, but McGillivray has found a midway point between the Erma Franklin original and the Janis Joplin showpiece. She makes the song her own.”

— Tom Harrison 

“The combination of a fantastic blues voice and tight & tasty jazz/funk guitar begins to describe Ruth & Sheldon. I kept wondering whose songs they were covering till I realized it was their own material. They blew away the Sunshine Music Festival in Powell River!”

– Don Bowes, Artistic Director

We can't thank you enough for the wonderful fundraising concert your band provided. The money raised from the sold-out event will provide much needed funding for medical support in our growing community here in Baja California Sur.