Biography

      Singer/songwriter Ed Mc Dade was born in Philadelphia (1947) into a music loving family. He learned chord melody guitar and vocal technique from Russ Faith (Philadelphia, PA) and later, finger picking style guitar from Jack Mc Gann (Philadelphia, PA). He began playing acoustic music in high school during the 60's folk revival and worked frequently at local clubs in the area. Later, Ed played electric bass joining many notable bands such as Axis Blues Band, who opened for the late Jim Morrison. Ed also played bass for Len Barry of "Bristol Stomp" and "One Two Three" fame, and with Millie McClain, Chicago blues, funk, swing and soul luminary. By 1974, Ed had "moved to the country" and began writing his own songs for which he has received several awards (American Song Festival, Los Angeles CA; New Song Festival, Kerrville TX; Hank Williams Song Festival, Avoca, IA). Ed has taken his music across the USA and around the world; performing in Canada, Jamaica, Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Italy and the former Republics of Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia. He has done extensive studio work in the San Francisco Bay area and Philadelphia (with Barry Goldberg, keyboardist on several Mitch Ryder, Charlie Musslewhite and Bob Dylan tracks). Ed has made three recordings of original music ("Water Spirit", with guest artist Gene Friesen of the Paul Winter Concert; "Radio Songs", with the great Euro Folk/Bluegrass band Nugget and "Cloak of Civility", with the American band McD). Currently, Mr. McDade performs almost exclusively as a solo act. His ease in live performance developed from a wide range of musical influences and venues enables him to reach audiences of all types. He has appeared on radio and television, both in United States and Europe and plays concerts regularly at community/art festivals , universities, libraries, fairs, theaters, and wherever people gather together to hear good music.