Mike Bradford

• Active: '90s, 2000s
• Genres: Rock
• Instrument: Producer

Biography

A behind-the-scenes player on a variety of major-label recordings, Michael Bradford built a long and productive career in the music business with his skills as an engineer, arranger, mixer, producer, percussion programmer, and multi-instrumentalist. Bradford grew up in the Detroit area and began his career as a bassist, playing on local sessions and touring with jazz and R&B artists like Earl Klugh and Anita Baker. During these formative years, Bradford also began learning about the technical side of making music, honing his skills as an engineer and producer. By the time the '90s rolled around, Bradford had moved to Los Angeles, where he found work as a session musician and drum programmer; he contributed to albums by the likes of Keith Washington, Anita Baker, and Madonna, and began collaborating with composer Paul Buckmaster. Bradford also maintained his ties to the Detroit area, manning the boards for the New Radicals, Kid Rock (with whom he toured in 1999-2000), and especially Uncle Kracker, whose debut album Double Wide also featured several Bradford co-writing credits. As a recording artist, Bradford released one single under the alias Chunky Style, the danceclub hit "Expansions" (a cover of a tune by jazz organist Lonnie Liston Smith). Among other releases, Bradford also contributed heavily to dance-pop group Pure Sugar's 1998 self-titled debut, Run-D.M.C.'s 1999 comeback Crown Royal, and several film soundtracks. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide