Terry McDade – Alberta
harpist . teacher . guitarist . The McDades
Terry McDade’s “Harp Story”!
It was the Spring of 1975 & life was uncertain. I was leaving Toronto after a few years of intense but minimal success as a Classical / Jazz guitarist. While driving my old truck around Lake Superior & heading West I tuned into CBC Radio (the only station available)…….on came this incredible music from Alan Stivell’s “Renaissance of the Celtic Harp” album. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing but felt an immediate connection.
I ended up up in Edmonton (where Danielle, Shannon, Solon & Jeremiah & I formed the McDade Family Band) We went to a concert in a Folk Club (1978?) to see “Robin Williamson & His Merry Band” with Sylvia Woods (Celtic / Nylon strung Harp) & Chris Caswell (Wire Strung Harp).
I talked to Chris after the show & asked him where I could get a Harp……he said that he & his wife made the Harps that they played & that they could make me one.
So……in about a year I had a 26 String Caswell Harp (with full blade levers) & the next step of a journey.
I have to say that I was a curiosity with this small Harp in Alberta…..there didn’t seem to be anyone else playing a “Celtic Harp”.
After a few years of playing the “Caswell” I went to LA & took a few lessons with Sylvia Woods. She “tuned me in” to legit technique & encouraged me to get a bigger Harp. After one of my students showed up with a 30 string Dorman “Pro 30” Harp. I reached out to John Dorman to design a “High Head” 36 String Harp with full “Loveland” levers (exterior dimensions similar to a L&H Troubadour) that I used on many recordings, concerts, gigs, etc. We also started to sell & rent John’s Harps to the emerging Harp community.
Also, I mentioned to John that it would be great to have a Harp that could be disassembled & easily transported by air transport . He built me an amazing mostly carbon fibre 36 String Harp. This Travel Harp “breaks down” in about 10 min. & packs into a rectangular road case “impervious” to Airline destruction! This Harp is very light & has a very loud sound! John made a few of these before he retired from Harp making a few years ago.
By the early 90’s I continued my explorations in Improvisation with both Diatonic & Jazz Standard tunes. It became apparent to me that to delve deeper into chromatic progressions I needed to move into “Pedal Harp land”. Ultimately the whole world of music opened up for me…..I started my “Harp Jazz Trio” (Harp, Bass & Drums primarily but also adding Sax, Violin & other instruments). Starting with a L&H 40 String Pedal Harp I eventually acquired a L&H Style 2000 Electro-Acoustic Pedal Harp (47 strings with a Piezo pick-up on each string) that is my main Harp these days.
I have recorded a few albums with my family “The McDades” guested on some others. I’m very fortunate to be able to play consistently (mostly Solo)@ Restaurants, Clubs, Concerts, Weddings & special Events! & also @ our Candlelight Concert Series @ John Walter Museum (for the past 30yrs or so…) with my family & continue to teach “wide-eyed” aspiring Harpists! – Terry
But Not For Me
The McDades Website: downloads available for Midwinter, Noel, Winter Rose (Harp on all tracks), For Reel (Harp on Dunmore Lasses & Rocky Road) Winter Collection
The McDades & the ESO (See Amid the Winter Snow)
The McDades & the ESO (Guillo Pran Ton Tamborin)
David Wilkie & The McDades – Cowboy Celtic
George Koufogiannakis “Generations”
CDs listen
Harpe Danse
A Winter Collection – Terry McDade & The McDades
Dreaming on a Yuletide Night – Terry McDade & The McDades
For Reel – Terry McDade & The McDades
Midwinter – Terry McDade & The McDades
Noël – Terry McDade & The McDades
Winter Rose – Terry McDade & The McDades
Dunmore Lasses – Terry McDade & The McDades
Harp, Oh Canada 