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| Matt Large
Matthew Large, the genial master of ceremonies plays rhythm
guitar, sings lead and writes a lot of material for NDG. Large
started playing music in his early years, but seriously began studying
blue grass rhythm guitar 15 years ago. Matt has played in a number of bluegrass outfits
over the years including the Owens Valley Settlers, the Green Bridge Barn
Burners and local Montreal favorites Revelstoke. Large’s solid back-up rhythm
playing is heavily influenced by the work of Charlie Waller, perhaps
the finest bluegrass rhythm guitar innovator to date. His arresting
vocal technique and soulful interpretation of Carter Stanley’s songs
lays a solid foundation for NDG’s music. |
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| Guy Donis
Belgian banjo virtuoso and composer Guy Donis plays artful,
light-hearted music with an eclectic sound, performing with a
virtuosity that rivals the top names in the American new acoustic
scene, names like Béla Fleck, Jerry Douglas and Edgar Meyer.
Hailing from a country better known for its beer and chocolate than
its banjo players, this lanky fellow’s career as a banjo player was
certainly not in the cards. Although he grew up listening to jazz
and classical music and later immersed himself in folk and blue
grass, the music Guy Donis creates is one of a kind .
We’re talking music that is surprising, exhilarating, amusing,
moving, toe-tapping, thundering, startling, enchanting,
heart-warming, rousing and, above all... unexpected!
Having heard Bill Keith before Earl Scruggs gives Guy's banjo playing
a melodic edge and profound drive that is integral to NDG's sound. |
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Joe Grass
Hailing originally from Moncton, Joe began playing the
guitar at age 8 and by the time he was 14 could be found
performing in venues throughout the province.
Possessing a musical breadth steeped in blues, gospel,
jazz, bluegrass, traditional East Coast music, Joe
offers a unique but firmly traditional mandolin style.
In his short career, Joe has built an impressive list
of achievements. He was the winner of the 2004 Ottawa
Folk Festival Auditions New Performer-Youth Category and
received a Galaxie Rising Star Award. He has shared the
stage with Harry Manx, Jackie Washington, Ken Whiteley,
Vince Fontaine, Michael Jerome Brown and has opened for
artists such as Kelly Joe Phelps.
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| Josh Zubot |
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| Solon
McDade Sitting in on the bass and vocals for summer
2009, Solon is one of the best bass players in the country. A
member of the much-respected and very popular band the McDades,
Solon holds down the bottom end and keeps NDG on-time.
Solon McDade has been performing professionally for most of his
life. He began playing the cello at age 4 and by the time he was 9
he was playing the violin, double bass and doing shows with his
family in the McDade Family Band on the washtub bass. By the age of
sixteen he was already a veteran of the Canadian folk festival
circuit and had
performed at such events as The Commonwealth Games opening ceremony
(1982), The Toronto CNE (1984), Expo ’86 and shows for many members
of British Royalty. From smoky blues bars to international festival
crowds Solon has wowed audiences with his musicality. |
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