A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to photograph jazz out on Kiawah Island for Quentin Baxter Presents Carmen Bradford, and I would be remiss if I didn’t start this post out by congratulating drummer and producer (and dear friend) Quentin on his Grammy Award win with Charleston’s own Ranky Tanky! We are all so very proud of this band and their journey to success. Bravo! Well deserved, sweet friends. 

If you are not familiar with the Quentin Baxter Presents series, you are missing out, my friends! 

The three-concert series is sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island Cultural Arts Fund and takes place at the gorgeous Turtle Point Clubhouse.

Award-winning vocalist Carmen Bradford was accompanied by pianist Kevin Bales, bassist Bill Thornton, and Quentin Baxter himself on drums. 

Bradford, a 2019 Grammy nominee, was born in Austin, Texas and is the daughter of legendary coronet/composer Bobby Bradford and world-renowned jazz vocalist/composer/author Melba Joyce. She was discovered and hired by Count Basie and was the featured vocalist in the legendary Count Basie Orchestra for nine years. For a more in-depth look at her extensive and highly successful career as a jazz artist, please click here. 

The sold-out Legends room on Kiawah was packed and everyone listened avidly to both Bradford’s commanding voice and captivating stories of her time with Count Basie. The night ended with a standing ovation. 

Next up with Quentin Baxter Presents is the award-winning vocalist Kate McGarry, and the 2019 Grammy-nominated McGarry/Ganz/Versace Trio on February 23, 2020.

Want to see more Charleston concert photography with Reese Moore Photography? Click here for images from the Charleston Concert Band Christmas show. For more event work, please click here for images from the 2019 Charleston Stage Gala.