Solon McDade

Solon McDade (born March 1974 in Edmonton, Alberta) is a Canadian musician and composer.

Career He began playing the cello at age four. By the time he was nine, he was playing double bass, washtub bass, and violin in the McDade Family Band. In his teens he performed at various Canadian folk festivals, the Commonwealth Games, and for the British royal family. He attended MacEwan University and studied jazz at McGill University where he received his Master's Degree in 2017. While a student, he toured with Bill Bourne, Maria Dunn, and his sister Shannon Johnson. He has received nominations by the Juno Awards and Aria Awards. He has worked with Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson, Billy Boy Arnold, Wildchild Butler, Michael Coleman, Susie Arioli, and Jordan Officer.

He formed the McDades in 2000 with his sister Shannon Johnson and his brother, Jeremiah McDade. Their album Bloom (2007) was given the Juno Award for best roots/traditional album by a group. It also won an Independent Music Award and two Canadian Folk Music Awards. In 2018, he released his debut album, Murals.

Discography As leader Murals

With The McDades Bloom For Reel

With Terry McDade Harpe Danse Midwinter Noel

With Maria Dunn For a Song We Were Good People From Where I Stand The Peddler Gathering

With others Susie Arioli, Pennies from Heaven featuring Ralph Sutton Bill Bourne, Farmer, Philanthropist and Musician Bourne & Johnson, Victory Train Bob Jahrig, Treetops Jon McCaslin, McCallum's Island David Wilkie with The McDades, Cowboy Celtic