In Tribute To
Clive Bradley
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IT is at this time that we reflect in our memory, our moments with Bradley; no matter how close or how far that contact. At this time, the stories come out into the light. They are great and they are small. Some are true, some are false; and some whatever their nature will become legend.
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Desperadoes in particular, and to all those other steelbands of his realm; we, your sisters and brothers in pan, honour your players for their skills in bringing Bradleys dreams to our ears to so stir our emotions.
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What is TT legend, is Bradley the arranger himself and the closest other half of his persona, the 'peoples' steelband Desperadoes. Together, with many in the background, they paved a way of life and a way of music that defines a precious part of our TT culture. This is now our inheritance.
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Bradley; we, your sisters and brothers in pan, forever will remember your music, your subtle and entertaining showmanship and your skills as an accomplished Master arranger.
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Bradley, you were many different things to many and different people. You were good and bad, as with all men, but you made a strong and pleasing mark on many of us, and on your land. For sharing your gifts during that part of your life with us, we thank you.
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Your friends once had to pull you out of the gutter from the street in New York, to guide you to a safe place to protect your body; while your mind was filled with iridescent wonderings. Not a tarnish, but a reality of living.
Life is Experience - Experience is Life.
We, in our clutch for reality and our crying criticisms sometimes forget that what is lifting you, yet hurting you in those mixed moments of self-indulgence, does not then hurt us. And yet again; to hold the mantle of Master, needs self-control.
Experience is Life - Life is Experience. |
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But whatever, whenever, we must not forget that it was you, your mind, that found the notes, that ran the music, that led the way for many, some also near out of the gutter; into a changed, a better and a more hopeful world.
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We will miss you from 'in front de band' Teacher Bradley; we will remember you, we will celebrate your music and we will keep growing and through your legacy, TT will hold pride and not despair.
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tobagojo – 04/12/2005
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