Reuben Bradley

Jazz Drummer

Reuben Bradley returns to the Queenstown JazzFest to perform in concert alongside legendary American bassist David Friesen as part of his New Zealand Trio.

Native to Wellington, Reuben Bradley has travelled the world extensively. Drumming with international jazz performers has developed his creativity and passion for new music, whilst international cruise ship work has empowered him with the versatility of a top-notch session musician. These two skills have enabled Reuben to become one of the first call Jazz & Session musicians throughout New Zealand.

Wearing his jazz-hat, Reuben has performed with artists such as: Mike Nock (Aus), Bernie McGann (Aus), James Muller (Aus), Matt Penman (US), Kristin Berardi (Aus), Brenda Earle (Canada), James Morrison (Aus), Roger Manins, Charmaine Ford, Jonathan Crayford and Dixon Nacey. His session styles have in turn led to work with: Julia Deans, Don McGlashan, Mickey Dolenz (the Monkees) The Coasters, The Drifters, NZSO, CSO & Wellington Vector Orchestra.

Formal education at Massey University (NZSM) culminated in his B.Mus (Jazz Performance 1999) led in turn to further individual study with rhythmic masters Scott Tinkler (Aus) and Master Jazz Drummer Barry Altschul in NYC. Although being awarded the greatly coveted position on the City College Masters course (NYC), Reuben decided in turn to focus on developing his performance abilities and compositional creativity.

Having performed in every major Jazz Festival in New Zealand including; The Nelson Jazz Festival with The Velox Brothers, Otis, and the Nat King Cole Project, Wellington International Jazz Festival with Roger Manins and Tauranga Jazz Festival with Charmaine Ford, Reuben has also performed at major Australian festivals such as Wangaratta & the Melbourne women in Jazz Festival.