ARCHIVED NEWS

Greetings from Cadenceland!

Yep, winter's finally hit us here in Toronto. Time to do what we Canadians do best... grumble about the weather.

What's new with Cadence? Glad you asked! Here are some highlights:

CADENCE AND MACLEAN'S MAGAZINE...

... AND IN THE U S OF A

We just returned from a great tour of the US. We started with an amazing trip to Raleigh, NC for the SoJam A Cappella Festival, where we performed and gave some master classes. Then back to our "second home" near Boston, MA for some school shows and concerts. Thanks to Debby Foner, Mark Hines and all the other folks who made this trip possible!

UPCOMING PUBLIC SHOWS

For those in the Toronto Area, out next local public show is DECEMBER 18th, 1pm at Harbourfront Centre, Brigantine Room, as part of the Jeunesses Musicales "Music With Bite" concert series. Admission is free, and the show is programmed for all ages, so bring the whole family!

Also...

Jan 13        International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) Conference, New York City, NY

Jan 18         Humber College, Toronto, ON

Jan 29         Encore Children's Productions, Lindsay, ON

Feb 2           Envision Jazz Festival, Surrey BC

Feb 11        Evening Concert, Parry Sound, ON

Feb 12        Family Matinee, Parry Sound, ON

Feb 14        Feed the Children Canada Valentine's Fundraiser, Oakville, ON

Feb 19        Toronto Wind Orchestra Fundraiser, Thornhill, ON

Feb 24        Athens, ON

Feb 26        Huronia Performing Arts Family Series, Midland, ON

Mar 4          Kidney Foundation of Canada Fundraiser, Brampton, ON

Mar 14        Prince Albert, SK

Mar 16-18   Brandon Jazz Festival, Brandon, MB

May 13        CADENCE and the Harbourtown Men's Chorus, Burlington, ON

May 28        CADENCE and the Hannaford Street Silver Band, Toronto, ON

For further details and our full performance schedule, please check the website at www.cadence-unplugged.com.

IN OTHER NEWS...

..All in the family:  Kevin's dad, Bryan Fox, has just released his second album, entitled "Something Old, Something New".  It's a great collection of classic and brand new gospel songs, featuring original music written by "father and son".  You'll also hear the voice talents of Dylan Bell and other Toronto vocalists.  Visit www.bryansongs.com for more info!

Sept 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                   

Media Contact:  Lesley Mitchell-Clarke & Amanda O’Reilly

416-486-6742/lmcmedia@sympatico.ca

Phenomenal, Jazz-Inspired a Cappella Vocal Ensemble,

Featuring Dylan Bell, Ross Lynde,

Carl Berger and Kevin Fox

Announce a Special Record Launch Celebration,

For The Release of Their Latest CD,

Twenty For One   

Tuesday, September 20^th

“The Lula Lounge & Restaurant”

1585 Dundas St., West – www.lula.ca

Media and Public Performance at 7:00 PM

Performance for General Public at 9:00 PM

Hosted by JAZZ.FM 91 On-Air Personality, Heather Bambrick Winner of The 2005 National Jazz Awards “Broadcaster of the Year”, and Host of JAZZ.FM 91’s Popular Programme, “Sing, Sing, Sing”

“….I’ve always gotten a kick out of a cappella groups such as ‘Rockapella’, ‘M-Pact’, ‘The House Jacks’ and of course, ‘Take Six’.  Lets add ‘CADENCE’ to that list….the diversity of their repertoire is countered by the consistency of their performances, arrangements and production value.  The lead lines, the ensemble vocals and the ‘vocal instruments’ all combine to create a very hip sound.  If you’re a fan of vocal groups and a cappella harmony, you’re going to dig ‘CADENCE’. 

Darmon Meader, “The New York Voices”

TORONTO – August 15, 2005 – On the evening of September 20^th, the sensational and internationally adored jazz/pop-inspired a cappella vocal quartet, “CADENCE” is releasing its second CD, Twenty For One, at one of Toronto’s foremost performance venues, “The Lula Lounge & Restaurant”.  “CADENCE”, The award-winning vocal ensemble, is comprised of quartet members Dylan Bell, Ross Lynde, Carl Berger and Kevin Fox and will perform two shows:  a special Media Performance at 7:00 PM and a performance open to the general public at 9:00 PM.  There will also be a special Media reception at 6:00 PM.  The CD launch event for Twenty For One  will be hosted by JAZZ FM 91’s award-winning On-Air Personality (“Sing, Sing, Sing!”), Heather Bambrick.  “The Lula Lounge & Restaurant” is located at 1585 Dundas St., West.  For further club information, please call 416-588-0307, or log on to www.lula.ca.  For media accommodations, please contact LMC Media by phone at 416-486-6742, or by e-mail at lmcmedia@sympatico.ca.

Twenty For One is an eclectic and vocally thrilling collection of jazz tunes, pop classics and original compositions – all arranged and performed with the unique, flawless, swinging signature style of CADENCE.  A completely acoustic group, a descriptive disclaimer proudly appears on the jackets of both of their CDs: “All sounds produced by the voice, mouth and body.  No other instruments used.”  Following the release of their recent JUNO nominated debut CD, Frost Free, this highly original and skilled vocal band has created a recording with (quite literally) something for everyone. 

Highlights include a smoldering, campy, tango arrangement of the Doris Day classic, “Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps”; the energetic pop-driven stunner, “Don’t Fix What’s Broken” (written by Dylan Bell);  an orally-percussive rendition of “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”…a hit by one of the group’s favorite writers, Paul Simon;  the Brill Building-esque “Sunshine” (written by Gillian Stecyk and arranged by Kevin Fox)…  Kevin’s lead vocal is pure and perfect on this tune; also a rousing arrangement of the jazz classic and Charles Mingus’ immortal composition (with lyrics by Joni Mitchell), “The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines”…on which Dylan’s Harmon-muted “trumpet” solo is unbearably cool;  “Hit That Jive Jack” – a CADENCE tribute to the coolest of the cool, Nat “King” Cole – complete with extensive scat sections; the gorgeous romantic ballad, “The Perfect Kiss” (written Carl Berger – who also sings the lead vocal);  CADENCE’s funky take on Beady Belle’s contemporary hit “Game”;  the jazzy and harmonically stunning “Blues on Sunday” (written and arranged by Dylan Bell)…with a gorgeous lead vocal by Dylan and an equally gorgeous “trumpet” solo by Kevin—the gently moving harmonies of this arrangement are reminiscent of Blossom Dearie’s French vocal group of the 50’s, “The Blue Stars of Paris”;  the extra funky “Sittin’ in the Cellar” (penned by Kevin Fox and Gillian Stecyk); and one of the nicest things that Miles Davis recorded in his later career, his version of the Cindy Lauper hit, “True Colours”...on this version, CADENCE is singing luminously and with an almost un-earthly purity that coalesces with the intent of the lyric – making it a stand-out;  and lastly, the early-seventies pop classic “The Things We Do For Love”.  This tune has been re-vitalized and re-harmonized with CADENCE’s distinctive touch, and is guaranteed to appeal not only to the Baby Boomers who remember the original hit, but to a whole new audience as well.

Twenty For One was produced by Adam Messinger and CADENCE.  The CD was recorded September 2003 to February 2005 at Messinger Sounds and FreePlay Studios in Toronto, Canada.  Twenty For One was engineered by Adam Messinger and Dylan Bell, and mastered by Andy Krehm at Silverbirch Productions.  Photography was done by Kevin Kelly, and the Art Direction/Design/Layout was done by “A Man Called Wrycraft”.

About “CADENCE”…

Dylan Bell, Ross Lynde, Carl Berger and Kevin Fox describe their group as the following:  “Four men who can’t help but have fun.  Four Microphones.  No Instruments.  A repertoire that covers jazz, popular music, doo-wop and even classical nuances.  The result is a show that has something for everyone: instrumental imitation, sophisticated harmonies and engaging audience interaction that always leaves them wanting more”.  This winning formula has earned CADENCE international recognition as “one of the finest quartets to make an appearance in the a cappella scene” (Primarily A Cappella).

In 2001, CADENCE released its debut CD, Frost Free.  The refreshing recording really put CADENCE on the map, and was well received by both the media and music lovers everywhere.  Frost Free was nominated for a JUNO Award, and contained an exciting variety of material culled from the worlds of vocal and instrumental jazz, hip-hop, funk, pop as well as beautifully constructed original compositions.  According to Jonathan Minkhoff of “The Recorded A Cappella Review Board”, the CD is “Elegant, energetic and inventive…Frost Free catapults the Canadian quartet into the ranks of the must-own”. 

In the journey from “four-guys-in-the-living-room” to successful international touring band, CADENCE has performed for many of the greatest names in vocal music, including Quincy Jones and “The Manhattan Transfer”.  CADENCE has also had the honour of singing with the acknowledged vocal maestro Bobby McFerrin at the 2003 Montreal International Jazz Festival, and in 2005 at the prestigious Toronto concert venue, Roy Thomson Hall.

CADENCE has performed in venues and concert halls literally across the planet, always leaving delighted audiences in their wake. Wherever they go—be be it North America, Asia, or Europe—CADENCE CADENCE delivers its mandate: “To explore and demonstrate that the voice has no limits”.  In fact, in addition to their concert appearances, CADENCE has also presented numerous special “Children’s Concerts & Workshops” throughout the world, to the delight of children everywhere.

The group’s latest release, Twenty for One, is another foray into musical eclecticism, as well as the testing of the boundaries of the human voice.  Continuing the tradition of redefining the “vocal band”, Twenty For One is a balance of hip jazz, cool pop, and clever and thoughtful original songs. Their upcoming CD launch at Toronto’s “Lula Lounge” promises to be one of the most exciting events taking place in the city this fall.  Early reaction to Twenty for One is already enthusiastic.  According to Peter Eldridge of the Grammy-Award winning vocal group, “The New York Voices”, “Twenty For One is tremendous...great arrangements and delivery…very inventive ideas…a nice new twist in a cappella singing. Bravo!”

If you close your eyes, you’ll never believe you’re hearing only voices….and when you open your eyes, you’ll be treated to the visual delight of one of the most singular and dynamic musical performances in any context.

August 20, 2005

May 5, 2005

Album Update:  The new CD by CADENCE, entitled "Twenty For One", is now finished, and will be shipped to our online distributors in the next few weeks.  We're extremely excited about the results, and we hope you like it as much as we do!  Thanks to all of you who submitted titles for our consideration.  In the end, we went with a lyric by Joni Mitchell.  I suppose we'll have to send her a copy.

Massachusetts Tour 2005:  We had a great time once again with our friends from IN THE MOMENT at the Center for Arts in Natick (TCAN) on April 30.  ITM was better than ever--great new sound, slick new choreo, and funny as ever!  It was a pleasure to share the stage with you again. Thanks to all our fans who traveled from far and near to see the show, and also to Debby Foner for all her outstanding work in organizing our 2-week tour of Boston area schools.  It's been great fun, and we look forward to next time!

Please visit our picture gallery for a few shots from this tour.

February 2005

This Week!

Friday:  Village Playhouse, Bancroft, ON

Saturday:  Choral Extravaganza Newmarket, ON

August, '04

Oops...we did it again...

It recently was brought to our attention that it has been six months since our last news update, so we figured it was about time!

You may also notice that it is not unlike us to start off our posts with mention of the weather.  So...here goes.  This summer has been, well, cold and wet.  Oh, and cold.  And did we mention wet?  We're looking forward to the fall which is *guaranteed to be hot.  Very hot.

On the road again...

The last six months have been quite hectic for us...traveling, gigging, and recording.  Our recent adventures have taken us to Montreal, Ottawa, Connecticut, and more.  We've been having a great time on the road, and are looking forward to our upcoming tours in Northern Ontario, British Columbia, and Massachusetts.  Please see our 'shows' page for more details of upcoming tours!

Sign on the dotted line...

We're proud to announce that we have recently signed with Prologue to the Performing Arts.  They are a not-for-profit organization that books entertainers into schools, as well as community performances for young audiences.  Children's performances and workshops are an important part of what Cadence is, and we are happy to spend time working with children. 

Are you a school teacher?  If so, please do drop us a line at youngaudiences@cadence-unplugged.com for more info, and while you're here, please visit our newly updated 'schools' page.  Please also take a moment to download our recent recording of 'All Star' by Smash Mouth. 

OPERATION “UNTITLED UNFINISHED” PROGRESS REPORT...

Many of you have been asking as to the status of our current recording.  We would like to apologize, but we may have been a little off target when we mentioned that the CD would be released this summer!  Ok, so we said summer, but we meant winter!  It's just that with the way the weather has been lately, it's a little hard to tell the difference!  Rest assured, we are hard at work, and will keep you posted as to its anticipated release date.  We will be posting a single for download in the near future, so stay tuned!  Also, we're still looking for the perfect album name, so keep 'em coming!

**Sings with Ducks...

Thanks to all of our fans, friends and family members who made it out to the Mill Pond in Richmond Hill for a very successful edition of their summer concert series.  We had a great time performing and meeting some new fans, young and old.  We'll post some pics soon!

Thanks also to Joan, Phillip, Russel, and Mark for making it happen!  Oh, and we can't forget to thank the ducks for keeping the quacking to a minimum.  It was much appreciated!

That's about it for now.  Stay tuned, stay in touch, and keep listening!

The Fab*** Four,

Carl, Ross, Kevin and Dylan

*    guarantee not valid in North America

**   this is NOT a follow-up to Kevin Costner's hit film "Dances with Wolves"

*** fabric clad

February, '04

Greetings from Cadenceland!**

Well, hope everyone’s surviving the winter thus far.  Here are some news items you can read over and over again to keep your mind off the cold for the next 6 weeks.  (Someone should really “pay a visit” to that stupid groundhog.)

REALLY BIG NEWS!!!

Cadence is very excited to announce that we have just signed with Marilyn Gilbert Artist Management (www.mgam.com).  We welcome Marilyn and her staff to Team Cadence, and look forward to a long and fruitful career with her!

OPERATION “UNTITLED” PROGRESS REPORT

Our new CD is roughly at the halfway mark, and is due for release this summer.  We wanted to take our time on this project to make sure we live up to the last one, and so far we’re really excited about how it’s turning out.  So thanks for your patience, and stay tuned for more updates.

NAME OUR CD! 

Everyone loves a contest, right?  Well, here’s your chance to win a copy of our new CD.  Submit your suggestions for titles, and if we use yours, you win!

How to enter: send an email to info@cadence-unplugged.com with the subject heading “CONTEST”.  We’ll be accepting entries for the next few months—deadline TBA.

SPECIAL OFFER!

We will be pre-selling our new CD at upcoming shows, including TCAN, and Oakville Performing Arts Centre.  In exchange for your assistance in helping us pay for production by buying in advance, you will receive a free copy of our brand new 2-song preview CD!   (Quantities are limited.)  Your full length CD will be mailed out as soon as it arrives!

 **Cadenceland™ amusement park to open July 2097.  Stay tuned for more details.

May 14, 2003

Cadence gets bronzed in sunny California!

New Jersey (April 25):  Thanks to Sue, Pete and the members of 'Key of She' for hosting a great event!  We really enjoyed our stay in New Jersey! Pics are coming soon!

New York (April 26):  We were thrilled to be back in NYC for the second time in three weeks, this time hosting the Finals of the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella.  It was a great show, and the audience of 1500+ was enthusiastic despite the long night.  We got to try our hand at MCing as well, which was lots of fun.  For those of you who might be in the New York area, stop by the Beacon Theatre and check out the men's bathroom.  There's a trivia question taped under the 2nd sink from the left.  If you answer correctly, we'll send you a T-shirt.  (Entries must be received by next Tuesday.

San Rafael/San Francisco (May 3):  Just when we thought we'd played to the biggest house we'd seen, the Marin Center's 2500+ crowd took the prize at the Harmony Sweepstakes Finals.  Speaking of prizes, we were honoured to place third behind two unbelievable quartets.  The Idea of North (Australia) took top spot with their simple and elegant mastery of the vocal jazz sound (they also won Audience Favourite, Best Arrangement, and Hottest Group.  OK, we added that last one.)  Second place went to the slightly less simple, less elegant, and extremely funny Moosebutter (Utah) who, as their name suggests, take a somewhat irreverent approach to their material. (Ever wondered what broccoli sounds like?)  And for those of us who hadn't been to the Bay area before....wow.  Beautiful city, beautiful landscape, great espresso.

First We'll Take Manhattan...

First, a quick note of apology.  In our last email, we encouraged you to "enjoy the weather" referring to the lovely but brief bit of warmth a few weeks ago, and it seems we've now jinxed the onset of spring.  Sincere regrets to all of you in the GTA, southern ON, and anywhere else currently under a sheet of ice.

Now, to the news...

We're thrilled to announce that despite the inclement weather, we were able to get to New York.  We were also blown away when we were announced as "audience favourite" AND first-place winners!  (The superstitious among us chalk it up to the fortuitous purchase of 4 fuzzy green plaid rally caps at a dollar store earlier that afternoon.)  Our "victory hats" (as they're now called) off to the organizers of the New York Sweeps for a first-class event and an incredibly warm reception.  It was an unbelievable weekend, and one we won't soon forget.

So this means an addition to our schedule:  Harmony Sweeps 2003 National Finals, San Rafael, California!  Check the link below for full details, competitor bios, and information about the live web broadcast.

http://www.harmony-sweepstakes.com/##2001

And remember, if you're in the Toronto area, CADENCE will be at the Royal Ontario Museum THIS FRIDAY, April 11 at 6pm for a free concert.   Hope to see you there!

Happy New Year!

ALWAYS CHECK UNDER YOUR NOSE!

After several months of searching, we discovered a solution to our missing person dilemma right under our sniffers.  Dylan Bell, long-time friend and colleague, has joined Cadence officially (having been a sub for some time), and we're thrilled to have him on board. 

Dylan brings with him a vast array of skills (aside from those involving armpit noises and cartoon imitations). Many of you will know Dylan from his work as a Toronto musician, teacher, composer, arranger, producer, engineer, and rodeo cowboy.  He's performed at one time or another with Hampton Avenue, Retrocity, and the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, and supported his keyboard/bass playing habit with the Soul Foundation.

Welcome Dylan!!!

...back to main news page