He has shared the stage with the likes of Faith Hill, Don Henley, Allison Krauss, Barenaked Ladies, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Yo-Yo Ma, Michael McDonald, Arlo Guthrie, Judy Collins, Gordon Lightfoot, Hayley Westenra, Patty Loveless, Rosanne Cash, Jann Arden, Paul Brandt, Blue Rodeo, Sam Bush, Mark O'Connor, Randy Bachman, Jackson Browne, and currently touring with Grammy nominated fiddler Natalie MacMaster. He's recorded with such world class talents as Michael McDonald, Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten, and Jerry Douglas. He's performed at such renowned venues as Carnegie Hall, and The Hollywood Bowl and has appeared on Good Morning America, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, CBS Morning Show, and ABC's New Years Eve Special with Peter Jennings. Now, with Juno Award winning producer and former band mate Gordie Sampson, Brad Davidge has embarked on a musical journey like no other - Unfolded - Brad's debut solo effort. By removing the boundaries of the traditional east coast style, Brad is revolutionizing a new musical movement that is resonating with audiences world wide. "Unfolded is the work of an accomplished musical craftsman with keen pop sensibilities, a warm and inviting collection of songs that draw you in with the kinds of strong melody lines that stay with you long after you've put the disc away and keep your attention with thoughtfully conceived and well-crafted lyrics that are easy to relate to."- The Guardian Born in Toronto, Ontario and raised in Gander, Newfoundland, Brad Davidge was brought up in a musically rich environment. "I've always had lots of inspiration to draw upon", he says. At the age of fifteen, Brad got his first guitar for Christmas. He joined a band in January and by that summer he had progressed so rapidly, he began touring around Newfoundland in various bands, most of whose members were twice his age, doubling on lead vocals and guitars. "Brad Davidge on guitar is … a virtuoso … full of rhythmic drive and jazz attitude."- The Mail Star Brad continued to tour steadily throughout his high school years. He then decided to take his music one step further. He enrolled in the Jazz program at St. F. X. University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia to study under guitar legend Rod Elias, and vocal master Doug Rose. Four years later, in 1995, Brad completed his degree and graduated with First Class Honors. "High-energy licks with guitarist Brad Davidge… easily stretch the boundaries of traditional style."- Sonic Net
Following graduation, legendary singer/songwriter Terry Kelly asked Brad to join his touring band. Primarily a country/folk band, Brad, being the sole guitarist, showcased his ability as a lead and rhythm player. Combining jazz, rock, and country, Brad floored audiences with his flawless technique and superior tone. "Brad Davidge is an excellent guitar player "- The Boston Globe He played with Terry until 1998 when he was asked to join forces with Gaelic songstress Mary Jane Lamond as her guitarist. Mary Jane's group brought out a whole new side of Brad's playing abilities. The music went from very subtle, with delicate nuances, to hard driving funk, reminiscent of the Meters. Brad thrived on the band's dynamic, "It's taken me years to learn when not to play." He once said. "The guitar parts are all quite involved with Mary Jane's music, sometimes I am covering three to four guitar parts at once which make for some very interesting possibilities on the guitar, and I love that!" "Brad Davidge demonstrated his musical expertise, whether on acoustic or electric guitars, and drove several of the songs with his energetic playing."- Indiana Daily He continued to tour with Mary Jane, wowing audiences with his subtle touch and aggressive fire, until October of 1999 when he decided to make another change, and joined forces with the Grammy nominated fiddling sensation, Natalie MacMaster. Not being your average traditional show, the band incorporates various styles of music including jazz, bluegrass, country, funk, rock, and flamenco, where Brad is afforded many opportunities to showcase his abilities. "A lot of the show is guitar oriented, which keeps me busy and very happy at the same time," he says. Brad has also been showcasing his vocal abilities nightly singing various pieces during the show. "The most memorable performance of the night was of the classic “Danny Boy” with Davidge on vocals. A poignant, moving performance, Davidge’s rough baritone voice against the guitar, fiddle and bass guitar put a beautiful new spin on a classic song." Brad has played on every recording that Natalie has done since he joined her band in 1999. On Natalie’s latest recording, Yours Truly, Brad not only played on the entire project, but also either co-wrote and/or co-arranged every track with Natalie. Brad has also been involved in other musical projects. For instance, in January of 2000, Brad was asked to take part in a project which entailed joining a group consisting of elite musicians from around the world for a concert in Glasgow, Scotland. They were to support 6 fiddlers, all from various countries, including Natalie MacMaster, American Liz Carroll, and Norwegian Annbjorg Lien. As well, Brad has done duo shows with violin virtuoso, Mark O'Connor, and has shared the stage with Faith Hill, Don Henley, Michael McDonald, Rosanne Cash, Allison Kraus, Bela Fleck, Sam Bush and Hayley Westenra to name a few. With Juno Award winning producer Gordie Sampson, Brad has embarked on a musical journey like no other. The result is Unfolded, Brad's debut solo effort. "Unfolded is a masterful fusion of solid pop melodies embraced by the warm organic sounds of acoustic instrumentation."- The Beacon All songs, written or CO-written by Brad, encompass the true essence of the art of songwriting, showcasing Brad's guitar and vocal abilities. Guests on the CD include Natalie MacMaster and Gordie Sampson, just to name a few. "It was time to start recording and performing my own material again.... playing across our continent with Natalie is great, but I also feel compelled to sing my own songs again, it's a need I can ignore no longer!" Natalie performs on UNFOLDED. "We collaborated on an original song entitled Stuck in the Middle which I have been singing during or opening Natalie's show, we are equally excited about the song." The first single from the album, Stuck in the Middle has received heavy airplay on radio stations throughout the Maritime Provinces, the video to be released early in 2007. "Stuck In the Middle…an instant light radio hit."- The Daily News Brad has received coast to coast acclaim, including two Nova Scotia Music Industry nominations, Album of the Year, and New Artist of the Year, as well as an ECMA for Pop Artist of the Year. To date, Brad has sold over 5,000 copies of Unfolded, reaching fans from London, England, to San Diego, California. The album is also available at www.braddavidge.com . “Stuck in the Middle," on which Natalie plays fiddle, is only one of the many great songs.”- Amazon.com Brad Davidge is a very exciting, versatile player, full of energy and soul, a combination that is not easy to come by. His songwriting abilities are that of a true craftsman; both mature yet current and his vocal abilities are endless, possessing a 4-octave range, with both power and subtlety on demand. But most importantly, Brad’s concern is the music itself. "If I can connect with people in some way, then it's all worth it. That's what it's all about for me."
His credits are widely impressive Consummate Instrumentalist… Allison Krauss Victor Wooten Mark O'Connor Endorsee… Larrivée Guitars Producer… Kevin Ryan, Follow the Signs Musical Director… The Natalie MacMaster Band Notable Recent Performances… - PBS Special with Bela Fleck, Hayley Westenra and Carlos Nunez, Oct 2006
|
|