Imagine a nightclub somewhere in the outskirts of time. A classic jukebox in the corner, playing songs with strangely familiar modern lyrics, like Miley Cyrus, Radiohead, or a forgotten Jazzman from Kansas City.
If such a place really exists, undoubtedly, the soundtrack is from Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox. Founded by pianist and arranger Scott Bradlee in 2009, the ensemble plays contemporary pop, rock hits, and R&B in the style of various eras, from swing to doo-wop, from ragtime to Motown, or, as Bradlee himself puts it, “pop in a time machine.” The band has released a series of videos on YouTube filmed in Bradlee’s living room with enormous success, accumulating over 450 million views and more than 2 million subscribers, as well as an appearance on the morning show “Good Morning America” and performances around the world.
The Essentials brings together 18 songs and styles that span decades. Bradlee’s choice of material ranges from the 80s rock of Guns N’ Roses to the recent beats of Justin Bieber.
Postmodern Jukebox is certainly a rebuke to those who claim that “they don’t make them like they used to.” The Essentials is an engaging album that unites generations in a single rotation.