Documentary Film – The McDades – Brother Brother Sister Making Music

Terry McDade is one of Canada's premier harpists. For their third CD together he and Juno Award winners The McDades have compiled an exciting compilation of new and classic christmas music.

Take a band from Edmonton consisting of two brothers and a sister who grew up playing music together, add to the mix two very eclectic musicians from Montreal, and you have a truly Canadian band, the McDades!

It's a challenge to be a Canadian musician in the modern Roots music world. Many musicians struggle to find a unique place within the varied cultures that make modern Canada. We are a tolerant country made up of different peoples and this is what makes us unique. The McDades approach to music successfully celebrates this very idea.

On an average evening their audience will experience everything from modern bluegrass sounds reminiscent of Nickle Creek or Allison Krauss to Tuvan Throat singing! The musical adventures and arrangements will move from bowed bass and violin parts that remind you of George Martin's Beatle Productions to Horn improvisations in the style of Oregon or the Paul Winter Consort. Percussion sounds range from frame drums to sounds more modern, much-like the sounds that come from David Lindley side-kick, Wally Ingram.

Add to the above an upright jazz bass player, a master violinist and a guitarist who's style has developed somewhere between modern celtic, traditional French Canadian and jazz, and you begin to understand the McDades. With vocal harmonies that can only come from a family band and an obvious love for each other and their music, the McDades stage presentation consists of living room warmth with excellent musicianship. With a nice mixture of accessible instrumentals, vocal songs and more adventurous pieces, each member of the band is showcased throughout the evening. The McDades can perform in both French and English and are a festival programmers dream for all the variety they can add to workshops!

Shannon Johnson - Vocals, Violin
Solon McDade - Upright and Electric Basses
Jeremiah McDade - Whistles, Low D Whistle, Bamboo Flute, Alto and Tenor Saxophone, and Vocals

with
Dave Merriman - Guitar
Amir Amiri - Santour
Uday Ramdas - Tabla
Ojas Joshi - Gatham
Jeff Bradshaw - Pedal steel
John Towill - Didgeridoo
Dan Skakun - Drums
Terry McDade - Harp
Danielle McDade - Hand Claps
Jason Kodie - Vocal Harmonies

Winner - 2007 Juno Award, for the Best Roots and Traditional Album of the Year (Group) - Best World Group & Best Instrumental Group 2006, Canadian Folk Music Awards. A hot second CD by this tight Canadian 5 piece.

Punching through the walls of tradition, The McDades’ celtic rooted music fuses the spontaneity of jazz improvisation and infectious global rhythms. Their cutting edge sound is the perfect complement to their fiery performances. “It’s hot stuff and very entertaining.” (Tom Knapp, Dirty Linen)

At the heart of the group are siblings Shannon, Solon & Jeremiah who grew up playing Canadian folk music alongside their parents and among artists from around the world, a unique upbringing that led to a love and respect for all music. Their groundbreaking compositions and innovative arrangements are characterized by stunning virtuosity and a near-telepathic interaction on stage. Shannon’s lyrical fiddle, Jeremiah’s searing winds and Solon’s smooth bass create the rich foundation for this adventurous band.

The siblings are joined by Andy Hillhouse, a multi-faceted guitarist whose influences range from mariachi to funk to choral music, and François Taillefer, a magnetic handdrumming nomad who has traveled the world studying ethnic rhythms on percussion. The musical diversity of this tight five-piece celebrates the very idea of what it means to be a Canadian musician.

With vocal harmonies that can only come from a family, and an obvious love for each other and their music, The McDades’ sound is immersed in the spirit of improvisation. Featuring both energetic instrumentals and sensitive vocals performed in English and French, this compelling and dynamic group “find their groove somewhere between a down-home kitchen party, a jazzy after hours club, and a folk festival.” (London Free Press)

A musical voyage around the world with talented harpist Terry McDade. Blending Celtic harp with North African percussion, fiddle, Irish whistles, saxophone and upright bass to create a unique interpretation of some holiday classics and few unknown jewels.

Terry McDade is one of Canada's premier harpists. Joined by his three talented children, Shannon Johnson, Solon McDade, Jeremiah McDades (The McDades) and world percussionist François Taillefer, Terry brings a new meaning to Christmas. In this his second holiday recording Terry explores a few Christmas classics and brings forward a number of less well known pieces. This CD is sure to excite and satisfy even the most Scroogiest of Christmas listeners.

Musicians:
Terry McDade - Lyon & Healey Concert Harp
Jeremiah McDade - Low D Whistle, Bansuri, Soprano Sax, Whistles and Vocals
Shannon Johnson - Violin and Vocals
Solon McDade - Upright Bass and Vocals
Cassius Khan - Tabla, Tanpura and Vocals
Francois Taillefer - Frame Drum, Spring Drum,
Cajon, Triangle, Cymbals Tambourin and Dumbek

A soulful recording featuring Harpist Terry McDade along with his three children performing beautiful versions of some christmas classics as well as a balanced blend of some less well known tunes. This rich acoustic recording perfectly captures the warmth of the holiday season. Terry McDade is one of Canada's premier harpists. Joined by his three talented children, Shannon Johnson, Solon McDade, Jeremiah McDades (The McDades) and other guest musicians from Iran & India, Terry brings a new meaning to Christmas. In this his debut holiday recording Terry explores a few Christmas classics and brings forward a number of less well known pieces. This CD is sure to excite and satisfy even the most Scroogiest of Christmas listeners.

Musicians:
Terry McDade - Celtic Harp, Guitar & Lute
Jeremiah McDade - Vocals, Low D Whistle, Soprano sax, Bansuri & Whistles
Shannon Johnson - Vocals & Violin
Solon McDade - Vocals & Upright Bass
Amir Amiri- Santoor

A smooth mix of global beats and grooves. Featuring a wide spectrum of material from Western Canada's premier harpist. Terry is exploring the boundaries of this wonderful instrument while keeping your toes tapping.

Musicians:
Terry McDade - Harp
Jeremiah McDade - Low D Whistle, Whistles & Soprano & Tenor Saxophones
Solon McDade - Electric & Upright Bass
Dwayne Hrynkiw - Djembe, Bells, Talking Drum, Dombeck, Chimes, Congas & Bongos
Brian Hughes - Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Oud, Saz & Tamboura
Emiko - Taiko Drum
Dan Skakun - Drums
Mike Rud - Electric Guitar

The second of two CDs for this energetic duo. A fine Balance of Bill's wonderfully vivid lyrics and Shannon's fabulous musicianship. A blend of classic folk song writting and superb instrumental talent.

Multiple Juno Award winner Bill Bourne has received international acclaim for his recordings and live performances. While the traditional image of a spiritual seeker does not usually conjure top hat, boots, shades and a Gibson flattop, like any living tradition, it's open to change. A mainstay on the international roots scene, a life on the road is reflected in Bill's music - powerful rhythms and soulful songs, steeped in Cajun, Celtic, World Beat, Blues and more...

The communication between Bill and Shannon makes for a sound that comes across as effortless but one that completely commands the attention of the listener.

Bourne’s songs are finely observed and he sings with a rough-edged warmth, but it’s the richness of Johnson’s fiddling-jumpy and lively , sweet and sad-that sets the duo apart from the crowd.

Musicians:
Bill Bourne - Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica & Foot
Shannon Johnson - Violin & Vocals
Andreas Schuld - Electric Guitar
Andy Martyn - Button Accordian
Stu Mitchell - Drums
Solon McDade - Bass
Ken Chalmers - Drums
Jeremiah McDade - Whistle, Low Whistle, Saxophone & Bodhran
Bob Stroup - Euphonium
Dave Thiaw - Percussion
Jack Hiles - Drums

Multiple Juno Award winner Bill Bourne has received international acclaim for his recordings and live performances. While the traditional image of a spiritual seeker does not usually conjure top hat, boots, shades and a Gibson flattop, like any living tradition, it's open to change. A mainstay on the international roots scene, a life on the road is reflected in Bill's music - powerful rhythms and soulful songs, steeped in Cajun, Celtic, World Beat, Blues and more...

The communication between Bill and Shannon makes for a sound that comes across as effortless but one that completely commands the attention of the listener.

Bourne’s songs are finely observed and he sings with a rough-edged warmth, but it’s the richness of Johnson’s fiddling-jumpy and lively , sweet and sad-that set’s the duo apart from the crowd.

Musicians:
Bill Bourne - Vocal, Acoustic Guitars & Dobro
Shannon Johnson - Vocal & Violin
Stu Mitchell - Drums, Congas & Cardboard Box
Bob "Biker on a Swing" Smith - Fender Bass
Jake Peters - Banjo
Dave Wilke - Mandolin
"Stainless" Stan Stewart - Pedal Steel
Elvin Berthiaume - Electric Guitar