Author Archives: Paul Brad

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About Paul Brad

Freelance journalist / Publisher : Editor - Straight No Chaser magazine, Editor - Beyond The Bassline (British Library) , Editor - L FM : Lockdown FM Broadcasting In A Pandemic - Gilles Peterson (Worldwide FM) / Publisher: From Jazz Funk & Fusion to Acid Jazz: A History Of The UK Jazz Dance Scene by Mark 'Snowboy' Cotgrove / Music Fan: Interplanetary Sounds: Ancient to Future / Cultural Event Consultant & Activist / Nei Jia practitioner

“This my 208th session at Maida Vale…. and it’s the last one… end of an era… Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia, Binker Golding, Theon Cross, Zara McFarlane, Cleveland Watkiss…. “

Over his time at BBC Radio 6 Music, Gilles Peterson has notched up an incredible array of live sessions at the legendary Maida Vale Studios. When I got a call saying this was most likely going to be the last … Continue reading

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The MUSIC is BLACK.

The Music Is Black: A British Story, has been 4 years in the making and as the summer arrives in the capital this much anticipated exhibition is finally open to the people. Welcome to V&A East. “Music is the soundtrack … Continue reading

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AIM, SHOOT, STOP, FIX!

Four legendary music photographers unite for a joint photography exhibition – Aim, Shoot, Stop, Fix . It kicks off on 10th March and runs until 9 April 2026 AIM, SHOOT, STOP, FIX brings together four of the most influential music photographers … Continue reading

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“Art does not have to be specific to our struggles to be helpful to us in dealing with them. And this is because art is not about itself, but about us. It is what it does to us, what it opens up in us that counts.”

Respect to the Arts Foundation Futures Awards 2026. If you’re reading this, please take time out, kick back and check this speech by Sir Ben Okri – pure inspiration for anyone willing to tune in. The renowned poet and novelist … Continue reading

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BEYOND THE BASSLINE: 500 Years Of Black British Music

The Award Winning British Library publication which was released in a hardback format to coincide with widely acclaimed exhibition is now available as a paperback!! What’s in this book? Edited by myself, in consultation with the exhibition curators, Aleema Gray … Continue reading

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UNFILTERED: IN CONVERSATION WITH OSUNLADE

Live ‘n Direct from Mason & Fifth – Osunlade meets Straight No Chaser’s Paul Bradshaw… We go DEEPER! Tune in! A couple a weeks ago, at Mason & Fifth in Westbourne Park, we were treated to a revealing ‘n’ wonderful … Continue reading

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DRAX OF DRAX HALL: A deep dive in Squirarchy, a Dorset family’s past and the legacy of slavery.

Investigative journalist, Paul Lashmar, delivers a searing, in depth exposé of how a single British family built – and preserved – its fortune through centuries of slavery, land ownership, and imperial exploitation. Prior to sitting down at the Mac to … Continue reading

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TO THE FONDATION MAEGHT : THE CYCLICAL ROUTE OF THE AVANTE GARDE – SUN RA to the PYRAMIDS

In July 1970 La Fondation Maeght in the South of France hosted a series of concerts, curated by Daniel Caux, a French musicologist, essayist, journalist, music critic, and radio producer. These extraordinary events showcased both electronic / minimalist music and … Continue reading

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PURE VIBES ‘n’ LIQUID LOVE: Gilles Peterson reflects on his four decade long journey with the man and the music of the ubiquitous Roy Ayers.

The first time I played Roy Ayers on the radio was March 2nd, 1982 from his ‘Feelin’ Good’ album… ‘Turn Me Loose”. I was 16 sharing the airwaves with my next-door neighbour and pirate buddy Ross Tinsley (aka Ross Travone … Continue reading

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THE DON CHERRY TAPES & TRAVELATIONS

Eternal Rhythm : The Don Cherry Tapes & Travelations is a collection of priceless cassette taped interviews woven together by writer Graeme Ewens – a confidant, travel companion and friend of the late great trumpeter and visionary. It’s a project … Continue reading

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