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Why can't my family be more like Terry McDade and The McDades? These Canadians are so darn talented and successful--not a bunch of n'er-do-wells like my sorry lot.

Daddy Terry McDade must be one very proud fellow; his three kids (Shannon, Jeremiah, and Solon) are The McDades. While dad excels at the harp, his children shine on a variety of folk instruments and can sing, to boot. Having just completed my review of Noel (Terry McDade and The McDades' 2004 seasonal release, reviewed here), I knew that Midwinter would be a treat, and it is. In fact, it is difficult to compare the two offerings and declare a "winner"; both are richly woven tapestries of Celtic/world music balanced on a beautiful folk music base, and both are well-executed and innovative. Take your pick.

The harmonies on Midwinter seem particularly strong; I loved Jeremiah and Shannon punching out the traditional Spanish carol Riu Riu Chiu. And although the heavy reverb in the early bars of The Huron Carol is a bit odd, the melancholy mood is priceless. The vocals sparkle, too, in Hey, Ho, Nobody Home, stylishly sung as an old English round--sweet! Of course, the instrumentals are outstanding; the glorious simplicity of sWhat Child Is This and The Wexford Carol took my breath away.

It's getting late, and Thanksgiving is now behind me. The rest of my n'er-do-well family is fast asleep, and I find Terry McDade and The McDades to be excellent company on a cold Minnesota night in late November. This kind of music warms the soul, if not the body, and provides good comfort. And that's enough for me.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2009)

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From the liner notes:

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

All songs arranged by S. Johnson, S. McDade, J. McDade, T. McDade

The McDades are:
Shannon Johnson
Solon McDade
Jeremiah McDade
featuring Amir Amiri

Produced by: Shannon Johnson
Co-produced by: Jeremiah McDade & Solon McDade

From the artist's Website:

Influences: The Chieftans, Alan Stivell, Dave Holland, Stephan Grapelli, Solas, Robert Johnson, Dervish, Lunasa, Charlie Parker, Chris Potter, Duke Ellington, Bob Wills, Bach, Brahms, Mingus, Jaco, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Kate Rusby, Flook, Dexter Gordon, The Band, Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Avishai Cohen, Zakir Hussain, Peter Gabriel, Don Grolnick, Ale Moller, B.B King, Muddy Waters, Doobie Bros, Howlin' Wolf, Alison Krauss, Oscar Peterson, Altan, Mark Turner, Martin Sexton... and so many more!

About Terry McDade (from www.myspace.com/terrymcdade): Terry McDade, contemporary electro-Harpist, is featured along with Thom Golub (Upright Bass) & Dan Skakun (Drums) in "Harpe Jazz", a new & exciting musical group on the World-Jazz-music scene. These tallented musicians have joined forces to create one of Canada's most unique & creative musical groups!

Over the past five years Terry has been focusing on his own personal voice in the world music scene. He released his debut CD "Harpe Danse" in '98 to critical acclaim & has recently followed it up with "Midwinter" in '01 & "Noel" in "05".

Terry McDade and The McDades

Midwinter

Artist link

Track List