Manzanita Productions - Representing Brad Prevedoros

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The Magic of Musical Reunions – The Brad Prevedoros Collective Bio There's something magical about musical reunions – when talented artists reconnect after years apart and discover that the musical spark between them has only grown stronger with time. Audiences will have the opportunity to witness the fruits of just such a connection when The Brad Prevedoros Collective takes the stage for a performance of warm, grounded west coast music that draws you in and doesn't let go. A Reunion Decades in the Making At the heart of this project is a story of reconnection and creative renewal. Brad Prevedoros, the acclaimed guitarist and composer from Galiano Island, and Allan Slade, pianist, songwriter and seasoned music therapist, first crossed paths in the 1980s while studying music at Capilano College. Life took them in different directions, but when they reconnected decades later, something clicked. That reunion sparked a creative partnership that has blossomed into The Brad Prevedoros Collective - a five-piece ensemble featuring seasoned musicians from Victoria and the Gulf Islands. Unique Sound, Unique Instrumentation What sets The Brad Prevedoros Collective apart is the distinctive sonic palette they've created. Featuring the unusual combination of guitar, oboe, English horn, piano, bass, percussion and vocals the band crafts a sound that's both familiar and refreshingly original. The oboe and English horn, played by Marie Slade are instruments rarely heard in contemporary west coast music that add an earthy, organic quality that perfectly complements the warmth of Brad's guitar work and Allan's piano. The music itself is a beautiful blend of jazz, Latin, and folk influences, woven together with hopeful melodies and grounded rhythms that reflect the natural beauty of the BC coast. Primarily written by Brad Prevedoros, with additional compositions by Allan Slade and lyrical and musical contributions from Marie Slade, the songs speak to themes of connection, renewal, and the landscapes that inspire us. The Collective Rounding out this exceptional ensemble are Paul Wilkinson-Teel on bass and Brad Hawkes on percussion – both longtime collaborators who bring depth, groove, and sensitivity to every performance. Together with Allan's partner Marie Slade, whose contributions add another layer of artistry to the project, this is a band of musicians who truly listen to one another, creating music that's greater than the sum of its parts. A Performance Not to Be Missed Whether you're a longtime fan of west coast music, a jazz enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates heartfelt, beautifully crafted songs, a Brad Prevedoros Collective performance promises to be a memorable event.
Video: Mango Tango - Jumper - Quiet Ones
Brad Prevedoros Something happens when you combine fifty years of musical seasoning and the fingers of a magician. Something happens when you combine the soul of a classical musician, a world musician, and a jazz musician, with a dash of rainy west coast sensibility...and stir vigorously. Brad Prevedoros happens. Whether it's a special reception, a prestigious jazz festival, a summer market, a world-class theatre, or an intimate house concert, a Brad Prevedoros performance stays with you. It's an experience that simmers long afterwards, like a warm home-cooked meal. It's a sound that soothes your soul like a fine wine. Brad was been nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award in 2003, a Vancouver Island Music Award in 2013 and he won a Monday Magazine Performer of the Year Award in 2006. Allan Slade is a multi-instrumentalist who has been working as a music therapist and a performing musician over the last 30 years. Allan played keyboards touring in a duo all over BC playing pop, country and rock genres. He then picked up his trombone and played in a 17 piece swing band in Vancouver where they had a regular gig at the Hot Jazz Club, and also played many international resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico. After finishing up his degree in Music Therapy, Slade has been working full time as a music therapist on the Faculty at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. With a focus on songwriting in his practice he has worked with a wide variety of individuals. Slade was heavily involved with a documentary film about one of his client’s journey through music and personal challenges. Marie Slade is a passionate oboe and English horn player who explores the resonant light and dark tones on her Parision-made double reed instruments. In her 30 years of playing, she has played with the Civic Orchestra of Victoria, in Victoria Conservatory Oboe Master classes, and in the chamber orchestra for Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Spark to Flame Showcase. She was a featured oboe soloist at the Kathaumixw Choral festival. She studied oboe at the University of Calgary and Capilano University. As a singer, Marie has performed solos in musical theatre competitions, festivals, and at the Calgary Stampede. Marie is Project Lead for the Heart to Heart Intergenerational Choir at Mount St. Mary Hospital where she continues to provide compassionate care through music therapy. Marie is on the music therapy faculty of Victoria Conservatory of Music and was recently designated as an Honoured Lifetime Member of the Music Therapy Association of BC for her contribution to the field of music therapy. Paul Wilkinson-Teel has worked with Brad Prevedoros for 30 years, appearing on five albums. Paul's work as a bassist has taken him across Canada and the U.S., as well as to Mexico and Japan. Paul has a PhD in Philosophy and his scholarly work has focused on the complex interactions of religion and science. He lives in Victoria and works as a teacher, a preacher, and a brewer. Brad Hawkes is a band member of several groups and as a go-to sought after back up drummer and percussionist. Brad’s love of drumming started in 1964 when his dad bought him his first drum set. He started playing along with the jukebox at sock hops, and then moved on to playing congas in coffee houses. Brad has recorded and performed with a variety of songwriters, choirs and bands on Vancouver Island. His music styles include folk, country, bluegrass, Celtic, jazz, rock, Latin, Persian, blues and choral.
*The Album* All the tracks on Beginnings are original compositions. Six written by Brad Prevedoros and four by Allan Slade. 1) Mango Tango: Inspired by the Cuban themes of the Buena Vista Social Club. 2) Warm Glow: Reggae rhythms form the foundation for this song celebrating authentic connections. Trumpet melodies dance around the unpretentious vocals and organic percussion. 3) Jumper: A lively piece written for Brad's grandson who likes to jump without notice. 4) Quiet Ones: A poignant meditation inspired by intelligent and thoughtful people that all too often go unheard amidst the noise of louder voices. Supported by the foundation of the bass, English horn and nylon string guitar lines give testimony to the emotional lyrics. 5) Hummingbird: Two guitars and English Horn dancing behind a backdrop of rhythm and bass. 6) Feathers On The River: A hopeful tune dedicated to the Gitxsan and Wet'suwet'en nations who are trying to preserve their traditional lands 7) Riverbend: Bouncing between 5/4 and 6/4 time, this is an easy-going jazz tune where earthy English horn, guitar and piano each take their turn playing around with nonchalant melodies 8) No Distance: It was March of 2020, the reality of the pandemic was beginning to settle in. Sitting down at the piano, this piece flowed effortlessly from fingers and lips, recognizing with gratitude the loving partner and family. 9) First Days Of Autumn: A slower Latin inspired piece written on a rainy day 10) Beginnings: The first tune introduced to the group. Upbeat with a nice interplay between the piano, English horn and guitar behind a solid rhythm section.