Terry McDade and the McDades

For some time now, Terry McDade and his family have been the city's Celtic studio band, and this past year they felt it was time to "take that extra step." The result is Terry McDade and the McDades and their debut CD, Harpe Danse. Terry calls it a Celtic world beat album because it incorporates traditional and original Celtic music as well as Middle Eastern, African, even Japanese styles and tunes. It also features a pack of multi-talented McDades, each with incredibly rich and varied musical backgrounds. Terry, the main McDade, has been both a studio musician and a teacher. Over the years, he has taught local talents such as Luann Kowalek, Clayton Sample from the Rockin' Highliners, and Mike Rud, who wrote the song "Recovery" on the album. His instrument is the Celtic harp, one with a background thousands of years old. With Harpe Danse, McDade wanted to take the music back to their roots to show that world beat music has been around for thousands of years and certainly isn't anything new. As a result there is a real sense of joy underlining this album, but that's also because Terry got to play with his kids. Joining Terry on fiddle is Shannon Johnson, producer; on bass is Solon McDade, well-known in the blues and folk scene; on whistles, Irish flute and sax is Jeremiah McDade; and Dwayne Hrynkiw adds his experience in world beat percussion.

  -- LG