Brad Bradshaw wrote the words and music to two of the peices performed by Jigsaw Sound at the carol concert at Holy Trinity Church, Meole, Shrewsbury on 15th Decemebr 2009. You can hear them here.

Brad also attended the concert with his wife Eleanor and we were extremely grateful to receive a letter of thanks from him a few days later. Brad has kindly allowed us to reproduce the letter on our website below:

Dear Colin and Angela,

WOW !!!!!

Meole Brace meant the beginning of Christmas.

What a wonderful concert; one which we thoroughly enjoyed.

The choir was absolutely stupendous, every member totally focussed on what they were doing, their eyes never once leaving the conductor's face. They seemed to be absolutely enjoying every single second, yet how they had the stamina to stand and sing for two hours, I don't know - particularly your sweet elderly lady in the front row! To do all that without recourse to manuscripts was again a triumph in itself.

The quality of the singing was pure heaven; each part blended admirably with each other, not one part vying for supremacy, as is sometimes the case with choral groups. Whenthey sang "a capella" - that was an extra treat (no disrespect to your great accompaniment Colin, ) the parts fitted together so perfectly...I see now why you call yourselves "Jigsaw Sound".

It is also a great credit to them that, though the whole was a delightful blending of sound, each part: Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass could be picked out clearly.

As for the diction...well it was immaculate! The plosives "p" "b" "t" and "d" were crisp and concise. You know it makes such a difference when one can actually HEAR the words clearly...the message then comes across with more clarity.

I cannot heap enough praise upon your singers, save to say that they put many groups to shame. I was so proud of the tenors and basses...a small but important group, who did a great job in ensuring that their contribution complemented the whole. "Complemented"..I think that that's an important word with choirs; as I've said above, no one part outshone another.

The whole was "rich", musical and uplifting. Am I going on too much with this praise? I think not...I could go on and on, such was the pleasure your group gave to us. There was colour, light, shade, power and sweetness combined into an incredibly perfect mix. It was like looking at a Caravaggio painting; the global effect was stunning, and then you also appreciate the immaculate fine detail. As the arranger and musical director you must be so proud of their achievements.

As for their contribution to my music - I can't begin to describe the pleasure and delight that they gave to me. I feel so humbled that they wanted to sing my music, and so proud of the interpretation which they placed upon it. The arrangements were truly lovely and performed with such skill. It was great to hear the "colour" that they added to the words and music. Believe it, or not, I, too was moved to the point of tears with both songs. Thank you Colin, and thank you too, all members of Jigsaw Sound.

I'm sorry that we could not take you up on the offer to meet you all after the show. It seemed in retrospect, so churlish..I would have loved to have done this, to pass on personal "thank yous" individually. Unfortunately, Pam - our good friend - has been ill for quite a while, but insisted on coming with us; Joan - Eleanor's sister has just had two knee replacements and by mid-evening was feeling the strain and all three ladies, having been up from 6 a.m. were ready for calling it a day. It is truly a shame. I, personally, was O.K. because I was on a "high" from all the adrenaline that you pumped into me. Suffice it to say that on Wednesday, at breakfast, we spoke for more than an hour about the experience!!! that should give you all an indication of the pleasure that we obtained from your concert.

Eleanor and I wish you, all of you, the very best for Christmas and 2010. We wish you every success for your future concerts; may you go from strength to strength! Perhaps, God willing, we may get the opportunity to hear you again, but for now, a HUGE "Thank you" to all concerned; and to you, Colin, my gratitude for wanting to use my music and for the wonderful way in which you interpreted it. Thank you!

Regards
Brad