It’s a rare and fine thing when a new voice arrives, fully-realized, on the music scene. From the first note of Aaron Cadwaladr’s folk-roots infused debut release Wade Through the Dark, it’s evident that this West Coast-based singer-songwriter has an exceptional combination of originality and maturity – an earthy yet sophisticated sensibility sure to garner him a focal role among the new generation of artists on this province’s vibrant indie music scene.
The Aaron Cadwaladr Band is: Aaron (g...
It’s a rare and fine thing when a new voice arrives, fully-realized, on the music scene. From the first note of Aaron Cadwaladr’s folk-roots infused debut release Wade Through the Dark, it’s evident that this West Coast-based singer-songwriter has an exceptional combination of originality and maturity – an earthy yet sophisticated sensibility sure to garner him a focal role among the new generation of artists on this province’s vibrant indie music scene.
The Aaron Cadwaladr Band is: Aaron (guitar & vocals); Cornell St Jean (bass); Nathan Shubert (piano, accordion, mandolin & glockenspiel) and Michael Munro (drums).
The 14 tracks on Wade Through the Dark showcase Cadwaladr’s rich and resonant voice and poetically compelling lyrics combined with his openness to eclectic musical influences. Songs on the release range from the barrel-house off-kilter folk rock of the title track Wade Through the Dark to the pared-down jazzy-tinged lullaby of fingertips to the bluegrass-infused slow down, and covering a lot of ground in between. His lyrics speak to the challenges of living in an over-commercialized world, of making your own way in life, of the lure and beauty of the natural world among other social and personal themes. The recording features contributions from notable Vancouver musicians including Veda Hille (piano), Peggy Lee (cello), Steve Dawson (pedal steel and electric guitar) and Jesse Zubot (violin) among others. All songs on the FACTOR-supported release were written and arranged by Aaron, and the recording was produced by Colin Stewart (Black Mountain, Veda Hille, The Cave Singers) with Cadwaladr at Hive Creative Labs in Burnaby.
Cadwaladr was born on Salt Spring Island, and raised on a homestead near Cape Scott on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island. His love and respect for the natural world was nurtured throughout his early years, and is evident in his writing today. As he grew up the larger world beckoned, and he’s lived in both rural and urban BC and travelled the world. Time spent working for passage on a sailboat across the Caribbean and Atlantic, living in Wales and Berlin, and busking the streets of Europe helped shape his musical style. In addition to a fine arts degree, Aaron is a graduate of the Jazz Studies Program at Malaspina University. He makes his home among the community of musicians and music teachers in Vancouver.
Cadwaladr has played with a number of groups in and around Vancouver, including the Juno-nominated band The Kerplunks. In November 2007, he released his debut EP Shape Changing Sky with support from FACTOR. This well-received release led to FACTOR’s continued support for the recording of Wade Through the Dark.
With a love of acoustic instruments and folk music traditions, a contemporary urban sensibility and a vital and independent voice – Aaron Cadwaladr’s first full release is a distinctive addition to the great Canadian singer-songwriter tradition.
Wade Through the Dark is available for purchase on iTunes, through this website and in select record stores.
show more...
