THE McDADES
CSPS debut | With vocal harmonies that can only come from a family, and an obvious love for each other and the 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," so says the London Free Press.
Winners of the 2006 Canadian Folk Music Awards both for Best World Group and for Best Instrumental Group, The McDades also picked up the 2007 Independent Music Award for Best World Album. It's easy to see why all these awards are coming their way. The McDades' Celtic-rooted music fuses the spontaneity of jazz improvisation with infectious global rhythms. The cutting edge sound that results is the perfect complement to their fiery performances — "hot stuff and very entertaining," in the words of Tom Knapp of Dirty Linen.
And that's not all. The band's groundbreaking compositions and innovative arrangements are equaled by their stunning virtuosity, and by their near telepathic interaction on stage. Shannon McDade's lyrical fiddle, Jeremiah's searing winds, and brother Solon's smooth bass create the rich foundation for this adventurous band. The three siblings are joined by Andy Hillhouse, a multi-faceted guitarist whose influences range from mariachi to funk to traditional choral music, and Francois Taillefer, a magnetic hand-drumming nomad who has traveled the world studying ethnic rhythms and percussion.
In the end, the musical diversity that this tight five-piece so skillfully celebrates embodies the very idea of what it means to be a Canadian musician today, if not a world citizen of the 21st century.
Sat Apr 19 | 8 pm
CSPS | 1103 Third St SE | Cedar Rapids
$14 advance | $17 day of show

Ticket info
Go to artist's Web site
Click here for a downloadable flyer (PDF)
Back to calendar