He has performed at a number of clubs, colleges and concert halls that include Birdland (NYC), Tavern on the Green (NYC), and the Beacon Theater (NYC). Bradford has performed in different musical settings with Jimmy Heath, Al Grey, Cecil Payne, Rufus Reid, Ray Bryant, Winard Harper, Ben Riley, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Cecil Brooks III, Jerry Butler, and The Dells.

Mr. Hayes has also opened for Chico Freeman, Betty Carter, Joe Henderson, Max Roach, Marlena Shaw, Pieces Of A Dream, and Hilton Ruiz among others. In addition to leading his own band, Bradford spent 15 years with Babatunde Olatunji's Drums Of Passion Band, serving as Musical Director for the last 3 years, until Mr. Olatunji's passing. In fact one of the real personal highpoints of Bradford's career is when he performed with Mr. Olatunji at Yankee Stadium during Nelson Mandela's 1st historical trip to the United States after his release from a South African prison.

Lately, Bradford has also been performing with The Spirit of Life Ensemble. Recently, Bradford along with 4 other musicians became the subjects of a photograph taken by legendary jazz photographer William Gottlieb.

This was the first photo of jazz musicians taken by Mr. Gottlieb since 1948. In addition to the photo session, Bradford and the other musicians selected, were interviewed as part of a PBS documentary that will be released at a later date, about the work of Mr. Gottlieb.