April 2010

by Sandy Graham

When you first speak to Keith Bradford, there is a slight accent you can’t quite place – but definitely not a Tennessee trill to his deep, engaging voice. ‘My Grand-parents on my father’s side were born in Canada, Montreal Quebec actually” Keith says. ‘We were surrounded by French music, jigs reels, polkas as my grandmother on my mother’s side was this little old French woman. That influenced my brother, Richard to play the 5 string banjo and learn all those great songs. I on the other hand was 8 or 9 years old when I took up the accordion. My father’s side of the family came from Montreal, my last name is really Guilbault. I adopted the stage name of Bradford as it was easier to pronounce and certainly easier to spell.”

By Bill Delingat

It was around a year ago when the phone rang and Marty Williams said “Belson, what’s up?”, the usual response was answered with the reply,” I have bad news for you it’s Quinn, he’s dead.” Well, unfortunately it was true after the 3 of us and other old friends had just recently reacquainted at yet another compadre’s funeral, (Platinum Blonde) Kenny McLean. The story goes that when he couldn’t be reached his best friend from school days (and ‘roomy’ at one time) Chris Bernard discovered that “Quinn,” as he was called by his friends, had passed away. Leaving behind his 3 beloved Siamese cats and his Gibson Guitar on his lap as he sat waiting to move on over to the other side. It is unfortunate when close friends pass on like Kenny McLean and Gary Quinn, less than 6 months apart and ironically enough, both very talented musicians.