Harry Bradley (musician) facts for kids

Harry Bradley (born in 1974 in Belfast, Northern Ireland) is a talented flute player from Ireland. He is well-known for his skill in playing traditional Irish music.

Harry Bradley's Musical Journey

Harry started playing the tin whistle when he was 12 years old. Soon after, he began playing the flute. He was inspired by local musicians and old recordings of Irish music from America. Other flute players like Noel Lenaghan, Michael Clarkson, Sam Murray, and Brendan O'Hare also encouraged him.

Harry has traveled all over Europe and America. He performs music by himself and also teaches others how to play. He has also been a member of popular music groups like Dervish and Cran. His first solo album, Bad Turns and Horse-shoe Bends, was released in 2000. Many people loved it, and it was even chosen as the best traditional album of that year by a newspaper called Irish Echo.

Besides the flute, Harry also plays the uilleann pipes, which are a type of Irish bagpipes. He used to be on the board of directors for Na Píobairí Uilleann. This is a special group for uilleann pipers, and he taught the instrument there.

In 2014, Harry Bradley was honored as the TG4 Musician of the Year. This is a very important award in Irish traditional music.

Harry Bradley's Music Albums

Harry Bradley has released many albums, both by himself and with other musicians. Here are some of his recordings:

Solo Albums

• 2000 Bad Turns and Horse-shoe Bends
• 2002 As I Carelessly Did Stray
• 2006 The Night Rambler’s Companion (This album featured guest musicians like Paul O'Shaughnessy on fiddle, Emmet Gill on uilleann pipes, and Mary Corcoran on piano.)

Collaborative Albums

• 2003 The Tap Room Trio (He played with Jessie Smith and John Blake in this trio.)
• 2005 ...Born for Sport (This was a duo album with Paul O'Shaughnessy.)
• 2009 The Pleasures of Hope – Flute Music From Belfast and Beyond (He recorded this with Michael Clarkson.)
• 2013 The First of May (He played with James Carty on fiddle, Sean Gavin on flutes, and Colm Gannon on accordion.)
• 2016 The Forest of Ornaments (This was a special musical piece he created with Dave Flynn. It was released on an album called Shadowplay – New Irish Music for Flute and Guitar.)

With the Band Altan

Harry also played on two albums with the famous Irish band Altan:

• 2002 The Blue Idol
• 2012 Gleann Nimhe - The Poison Glen