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HANDWRITTEN LETTERS FROM NATALIE:
Aug 23/08
- Sep 30/07 -
Jan 11/07 -
Mar 24/06
-
Dec 05/05 -
Jun 24/05 -
Oct
15/04 - Jan
20/04
New letter
from Natalie to the fans...
Here is a
photo sent in by Natalie << Click photo for larger view.
........................................................................................................................................
August 26, 2008
Sunday,
September 7 at 6:30 pm on WLIW21 (New York, NY) ** |
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Viewers can support their local public television station’s decision to air this kind of music programming by making a donation. There are various “thank you” gifts including concert DVDs and CDs, along with public television membership benefits like discounts to local museums. To support your local PBS station or find airdates in your area for NATALIE MACMASTER: BRINGING IT HOME, visit www.pbs.org/stationfinder. If your station does not have this concert scheduled, let them know you want to see Natalie MacMaster on TV in your town! Once a station sees public demand for a show it might convince them to add it to their schedule.
Watch video clip from the TV Special
(PBS) ........................................................................................................................................
May 6,
2008
Cape Breton Live was born in 2005 as a joint venture of Natalie MacMaster, Donnell Leahy and Cheryl Smith. The online radio program began with the intent of broadcasting 5 trial shows of live traditional music showcasing the talents of Cape Breton musicians. The initial run of shows were so well received worldwide that the program has now been online for over 2 years, has broadcast close to 50 shows, toured Quebec and Ontario and released 2 compilation CD's. Now you can take a little piece of Cape Breton home with you. The CD is available online at: www.capebretonlive.com and will be made available in local stores shortly. Track listing and sound clips are also available online. ........................................................................................................................................
January 19, 2008
Saturday,
January 19th 7:00pm ET
Bravo! TV Canada ........................................................................................................................................ June 25, 2007: It's a Boy! Michael Joseph Alexander Leahy was born into the world on June 23 at 1:15 am and weighed 8 lbs and 2 oz. Michael and mom are both doing great and should be home today. No doubt Mary Frances will be very excited to have a new little brother. Congrats! ........................................................................................................................................
April 30, 2007 Natalie will be receiving the Order of Canada from Govenor General Michaelle Jean on May 4th at a special ceremony in Ottawa. The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and service in various fields of endeavour. It is Canada's highest honour for lifetime achievement. ........................................................................................................................................
April
22, 2007 Natalie's PBS Special, recorded in October 2006 at the Celtic Colours Festival in Cape Breton with Bela Fleck, Carlos Nunez and others is scheduled to air in early 2008. Please stay tuned here for updates as they become available. There have also been many inquiries as to whether the Bravo TV Special "Natalie MacMaster & Friends" (aired April 21) will be shown in the United States. We regret that only the Canadian Bravo station will be airing this show. ........................................................................................................................................
February 19, 2007 Natalie wins the East Coast Music Award for Roots/Traditional Solo Recording of the Year, For her latest album 'Yours Truly'. The ECMA gala award show took place last night at the Halifax Metro Centre. for a full list of winners, visit www.ecma.ca ........................................................................................................................................
January 8, 2007 Natalie received a Juno nomination this week for "Instrumental Album Of The Year" for her latest album 'Yours Truly' (Foreign Media Group*KOCH). The East Coast native continues to stun crowds around the globe with her feverish fiddling and mesmerizing step dancing. Each new album displays a creativity and range that constantly expands the boundaries of the genre. Yours Truly is her tenth album. MacMaster, who picked up the fiddle at age 9, became one of the youngest people ever to be named a member of the prestigious Order of Canada ........................................................................................................................................
January 11, 2007
»
Natalie has
sent in a letter to the website fans with her latest news....
[view
letter] ........................................................................................................................................
January 8, 2007
Natalie Mac Master To Perform On Good Morning America, Monday, January
22 Cambridge, MA – On January 22nd, Grammy-nominated fiddling virtuoso Natalie Mac Master will perform on Good Morning America. Backed by cello and guitar, Mac Master will perform "Farewell to Peter" – a touching tribute to her friend, the late journalist Peter Jennings. The original tune is featured on Mac Master’s acclaimed new studio album Yours Truly. Released this past Fall, Yours Truly was produced by Mac Master and her husband Donnell Leahy and finds the "fiery fiddler" continuing to ingeniously incorporate new sounds and concepts into her rich Cape Breton musical heritage. Featured among a mix of evocative originals and timeless traditional numbers is a "heart rending" rendition of "O Danny Boy" featuring stirring lead vocals from Michael McDonald. Beginning January 23, Mac Master will kick off an extensive U.S. tour in support of the album, including tour dates throughout the East Coast and Midwest. Founded in 1970, Rounder Records is America’s premier independent label. Rounder and its Zoë, Heartbeat, Philo and Bullseye Blues imprints have a catalog of over 3000 albums, representing a wide variety of folk, roots, rock, blues, and reggae music.
For more information, please contact: Press materials (including high-res photos) are available at www.rounder.com/publicity. ........................................................................................................................................ December 21, 2006 Audio Interview From Iceberg Radio: Natalie MacMaster is a superstar fiddler from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Natalie has recently released her tenth full-length recording entitled Yours Truly and sat down to talk with Shawn Hughes about her phenomenal career in Celtic music. ........................................................................................................................................ December 14, 2006
Natalie has
been nominated for two East Coast Music Awards (ECMA) for:
Natalie has
also been nominated for a Folk Alliance Award for Traditional
Artist of the Year. ........................................................................................................................................ November 22, 2006 I am very sorry to hear the passing of my cousin, John Allan Cameron. But I am comforted by the fact that his suffering is over. John Allan Cameron's music was passionate, raw and honest, reflecting who he was and where he came from. He was a master at communicating his craft, delivering it with great spark and authority. One could not help but be hypnotized by his performances. He spent much of his life sharing the joy of music with the world, but those who knew him personally understand that his character was even more joyful, brilliant and dynamic. He went through life with a skip in this step, a smile on his face and some humorous story to set the mood. John Allan Cameron will be missed and remembered. ~ Natalie ........................................................................................................................................
SEPTEMBER 20, 2006 ROUNDER RECORDS TO RELEASE NEW STUDIO ALBUM BY GRAMMY-NOMINATED FIDDLING VIRTUOSO NATALIE MAC MASTER, ENTITLED YOURS TRULY, OCTOBER 10
FEATURING A TOUCHING TRIBUTE TO THE LATE PETER JENNINGS, PLUS
MAC
MASTER RECENTLY AWARDED PRESTIGOUS ORDER OF CANADA; Cambridge, MA – On October 10, Rounder Records will release Yours Truly – a new studio album from Grammy-nominated fiddler, “spark-plug” (Time Out NY) composer and step-dancer Natalie Mac Master. Produced by MacMaster with her husband, fiddler Donnell Leahy (of the famed Canadian band Leahy), Yours Truly finds the “fiery fiddler” (Paste) continuing to ingeniously incorporate new sounds and concepts into her rich Cape Breton musical heritage. Featuring members of her dynamic road band alongside such acoustic music luminaries as Rushad Eggleston (cello), Jens Krüger (banjo), and Natalie Haas (cello), Yours Truly boasts a wide-range of evocative originals and timeless traditional numbers steeped in the driving rhythms and soaring tonalities unique to Cape Breton. Among the album’s most touching moments are “Farewell to Peter,” an original tribute to Mac Master’s friend, the late journalist Peter Jennings, and a stirring rendition of “Danny Boy” featuring soulful lead vocals from Michael McDonald. Yours Truly follows up 2003’s Blueprint (Rounder) which combined Mac Master’s brilliant fiddle playing with the best of American roots instrumentalists and won her “Best Female Artist of the Year” and “Best Roots/Traditional Solo Recording” at Canada’s East Coast Music Awards in 2005. Recently, Mac Master was one of the youngest people ever named a member of the Order of Canada – Canada’s highest civilian honor – for her extensive contributions to Canadian culture and her tireless efforts to bring the music of Cape Breton to an ever-increasing number of listeners. Mac Master and her band kick off an extensive U.S. tour this fall to celebrate the release of Yours Truly. Tour dates are listed on the schedule page. More information is available at www.rounder.com or www.nataliemacmaster.com. Founded in 1970, Rounder Records is America’s premier independent label. Rounder and its Zoë, Heartbeat, Philo and Bullseye Blues imprints have a catalog of over 3000 albums, representing a wide variety of folk, roots, rock, blues, and reggae music.
For
more information, please contact: ........................................................................................................................................
July 27,
2006 We are excited to announce the airing dates of the Leahy PBS TV Special, and the release of both a new “Leahy Live DVD” and “Live CD”! The Television Special will see its first airing on August 3rd in Tacoma, Washington, on KBTC and then on August 5th, in New York City on WLIW. Additional PBS stations will be airing the Special over the next several months so you can check local listings, call your local PBS station, or visit the Leahy website for more information. If you don’t know what your local PBS station is, visit the PBS Station Finder and plug in your zip code to find it. Feel free share this information with your family and friends as you have done so many times in the past! Leahy’s success is due in large part to YOU, the fans, telling your friends and family about their music. This is not just for American fans, by the way. Many Canadians have access to PBS stations because they live along the boarder or they have satellite. You’re as valuable a viewer to PBS as an American viewer so please support us if you’re able! The DVD will contain the entire TV special as seen on PBS and will also include: all of Leahy’s music videos, interviews with members of the band, historical footage of the group including excerpts from the 1999 Shania Twain world tour, and never-before seen footage of a Leahy party in their home. At this early stage, the only way to get a sneak peak of the DVD is to watch it on your local PBS station. The DVD and CD will be released world-wide in the months to come. Keep watching the Leahy website for broadcast, up-dates, and information about how to purchase your own copy. Thank you once again for all of your support and we hope you enjoy the program!
The LEAHY
Street Team ........................................................................................................................................
July 25, 2006 OTTAWA - Fiddler Natalie MacMaster, retired Maj.-Gen. Lewis MacKenzie, former newspaper columnist Michele Landsberg and sociologist Reginald Bibby are among 77 people named to the Order of Canada. Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean named 25 officers and 52 members to the order Monday. Recipients will accept their insignia at a later ceremony, Jean said in a statement. The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and service in various fields of endeavour. It is Canada's highest honour for lifetime achievement and has three different levels of membership: Companion, Officer and Member. Three Nova Scotians were named officers to the Order of Canada. They include Constance R. Glube, Halifax, law; Norman Horrocks, Dartmouth, heritage; and Denis Stairs, Halifax, education. Among the Nova Scotians named as members of the Order are MacMaster, Lakefield, Ont., and Troy, arts-music; Walter Ostrom, Indian Harbour, arts-visual; and Elizabeth Pacey, Halifax, heritage. ........................................................................................................................................
June 5, 2006
Featured on the recording are: Natalie MacMaster, Kinnon & Betty Beaton, Andrea Beaton, John Pellerin, Kenneth MacKenzie, Troy MacGillivray, Shelly Campbell, Wendy MacIsaac, Jackie Dunn MacIsaac, Kimberley Fraser, Brenda Stubbert, Dave MacIsaac, Mary Jessie MacDonald, Theresa MacLellan, Glenn Graham, Rodney MacDonald, Joel Chiasson, Kevin Dugas, Boyd MacNeil, Cheryl Smith, Anita MacDonald and Paul MacDonald. "It was quite difficult to choose just 13 groups from all the wonderful material we collected." says producer Cheryl Smith. "We wish we could have featured everyone we have had the pleasure of recording but we do hope to release future albums with more material from the shows." Cape Breton Live is a joint venture of husband and wife team Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy and Cheryl Smith. The program began on August 28, 2005 with the intent of broadcasting 5 trial shows of live traditional music showcasing the talents of Cape Breton musicians. The shows were so well received worldwide that the program has now been online for close to a year and has broadcast 37 shows to date. The internet radio program showcases artists both new and familiar, exposing the traditional music of Cape Breton to audiences around the globe. Recorded at popular music venues around Nova Scotia – from halls, to pubs, to kitchens – the shows capture the sights and sounds of the traditional Cape Breton music scene. "We are aware of the strong attraction of Cape Breton music and culture to people, as we are constantly being told by the fans who frequent our shows,” says Natalie MacMaster. "It excites people and stays with them long after they leave. So, we thought, if you can’t get here in person... join us on the Web." And now, you can experience Cape Breton Live with the upcoming CD. The CD is available online now at: www.capebretonlive.com and will be made available in local stores shortly. Visit the website for sound clips and complete track listing. ........................................................................................................................................ News Update: May 2006 Over the last few months, Natalie has been a very busy girl touring with her new baby daughter Mary Frances. Her tour began in the United States with her band and ended with her meeting up with her husband Donnell Leahy in Thunder Bay, Ontario. They are now touring together doing a run of Symphony shows in Western Canada that have sold out at almost all of the venues. From there, she will head to Niagara University in New York where she will receive an honorary doctorate of music. On May 22nd, Natalie will be performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City with her band. Tickets are nearly sold out for this special concert. Natalie has also been hard at work on a new CD called “Yours Truly”, which is tentatively scheduled for release late this summer. She has added much of her heart and soul into this project by using many of her own compositions and her own touring band. The album will be available through Natalie’s website at as well as local music stores. ........................................................................................................................................ Natalie to attend Leahy Music Camp, July 2006 Leahy is looking forward to welcoming students of all ages and levels of experience to their first ever music camp. The camp is scheduled to take place from the evening of July 11-14, 2006 at Viamede Resort, www.viamede.com . Viamede is a full-service resort on Stoney Lake, just north of Leahy’s home town of Lakefield. Participants will receive three full days of instruction in the areas of fiddle, piano, and step-dancing from members of Leahy, Natalie MacMaster, and other special guests. In addition, there will be other scheduled events for participants to enjoy. "Down time" during the camp schedule will allow participants the opportunity to jam with other students, meet people from across North America, and take advantage of the many recreational facilities at Viamede Resort including swimming, canoeing, tennis, hiking, biking and more » Download the Brochure & Application Form (PDF) Please do not hesitate to contact the Leahy office if you have any further questions or concerns. info@leahymusic.com or (705) 652-7376. See you in July ‘06! ........................................................................................................................................
February 28, 2006 The ECMA 2006 GALA AWARDS SHOW music extravaganza will broadcast live on CBC Television from the Charlottetown Civic Centre. THE 2006 ECMA GALA AWARDS SHOW celebrates the diversity and richness of musical talent from Atlantic Canada and pays tribute to the great successes of the artists, composers, writers and technicians of the region. The Trailer Park Boys host an evening of great entertainment starring George Canyon, Matt Mays & El Torpedo, Lennie Gallant, Mary Jane Lamond, The Novaks, Wintersleep, The Chucky Danger Band, Christian “Kit” Goguen, J.P. Cormier, Matt Andersen and Sko-Shun Tiez. Fiddling sensation Natalie MacMaster pays tribute to her beloved uncle, legendary Cape Breton fiddler Buddy MacMaster, who is the recipient of the East Coast Music Award (ECMA) 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award. The Gala also features highlights of a presentation to Sarah McLachlan who receives a special achievement award. Visit www.ecma.ca ........................................................................................................................................
JANUARY
23, 2006
........................................................................................................................................ DECEMBER 20, 2005
Natalie wanted to share a
few photos with you of little Mary Frances Rose.
........................................................................................................................................
DECEMBER 5, 2005
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August 10, 2005
CAPE BRETON, NS – Well-known Canadian performing artists Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy are pleased to announce the launch of CAPE BRETON LIVE, a new internet radio show, which will broadcast a series of live musical events from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia each week. In a trial five week period, the radio program will showcase artists both new and familiar, exposing the traditional music of Cape Breton to audiences around the globe. Recorded at popular music venues around Nova Scotia – from halls, to pubs, to kitchens – the shows will capture the sights and sounds of the traditional Cape Breton ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee”, Gaelic for party or gathering). Long one of Canada’s national treasures, Cape Breton Island is known for both its natural beauty and unique culture. The Island is home to a distinctive musical legacy derived from the Scottish and Irish immigrants who brought their music to the island where it evolved naturally. The recent surge of interest in the music of Cape Breton from around the world has been the catalyst for the creation of Cape Breton Live. "We are aware of the strong attraction of Cape Breton music and culture to people, as we are constantly being told by the fans who frequent our shows,” says Natalie MacMaster. "It excites people and stays with them long after they leave. So, we thought, if you can’t get here in person, join us on the Web." MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, the lead fiddle player of Canadian Celtic supergroup Leahy, were married in 2002 and are together launching the Cape Breton Live project as a platform for the musical community they belong to, and from which they draw inspiration. "It is an effort to share the music and culture of Cape Breton with the rest of the world," says Leahy, "and our hope is that the beauty that lives here will be felt through this program." This project is made possible with the assistance of Aliant and the Government of Nova Scotia. The first taping of Cape Breton Live will take place at the Judique Hall on Sunday, August 28th during Natalie & Buddy MacMaster's CD Release Party. The first audio broadcast on capebretonlive.com will be on Sunday, September 4, 2005. Aliant will also stream these Cape Breton Live performances through www.aliant.net, giving music fans one more way to connect to Cape Breton’s down-home music. Video from these performances will be available exclusively to Aliant high-speed customers. "Cape Breton is more than great scenery and hospitable people. It’s an energetic spirit that is shared so well through our talented musicians,” said Mike Gillespie, Aliant Regional Manager for Cape Breton. "As a Cape Breton native, I’m very pleased that Aliant can play a role in this innovative venture to share our music and our spirit with people around the world." To be present at a recording session for Cape Breton Live, please check out www.capebretonlive.com for a list of dates, venues and performers. Listen weekly to the Cape Breton Live sessions by going to www.capebretonlive.com. ..................................................................................................................................
July 25,2005 Dexter’s Automotive Group today announced plans for a 2005/2006 advertising campaign for Dexter’s Subaru. The campaign will feature international recording artist and Nova Scotia legend, Natalie MacMaster. “Natalie is perfect for this campaign and this campaign is perfect for Natalie”, says Keith Dexter. “After a great discussion with Natalie, it was so obvious, her exceptional performance and loyalty to her fans is very consistent with Dexter’s Subaru’s approach to business. We are very excited to be working with her”. “Dexter’s Subaru’s unique approach to connecting with their customers makes them different”, says Natalie MacMaster. “They have always promoted their business with an independent and unique voice. Their hands-on, small town persona really appeals to me, it’s all about being loyal to your fans… and loyal to your customers. It’s going to be a fun campaign. It’s an approach I’m very excited to be associated with”. Initial advertising will focus on Subaru’s newest offering, the seven-passenger SUV crossover Tribeca. “I absolutely love the product”, says MacMaster. “My husband and I are getting ready to start a family and the Tribeca matches our needs to a tee. It has all the room we need, plus the safety and performance of Subaru. I feel really good putting my name to product and people I truly believe in”. Dexter’s Automotive Group operates three dealerships in Metro: Dexter’s Audi and Dexter’s Subaru, both in Halifax; and Dexter’s Subaru in Dartmouth. Audi and Subaru offer quality products featuring All-Wheel Drive in every automobile . Seventy dedicated employees have established a reputation in the region for outstanding customer service. ..................................................................................................................................
February
22, 2005 Natalie has won two East Coast Music Awards (ECMA), handed out on Sunday February 20th at Centre 200 in Sydney, NS. She was awarded the Female Artist of the Year and Roots/Traditional Solo Recording of the Year for her latest album 'Blueprint'. Unfortunately Natalie was not able to attend the awards show as she was previously booked to perform in New Mexico. .................................................................................................................................. "Even though I can't be there tonight, I want everyone to know that it's always very inspiring to be part of East Coast music".
..................................................................................................................................
December
15, 2004
- Female Artist of the Year
The
ECMA's take place February 17-20, 2005 in Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova
Scotia. .................................................................................................................................. November 18, 2004
PRESS
RELEASE -
For immediate release Please note that the Leahy and Natalie MacMaster concerts set for Mile One in St. John’s, Nov. 25 and The Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook, Nov. 26 have been officially postponed. Both artists apologize for any inconvenience to the fans caused by this postponement and are committed to performing in Newfoundland in 2005. Stay tuned for a rescheduling announcement in the coming weeks. Refunds are available at point of purchase, beginning this Friday, November 19, 2004 through to Thursday, December 23, 2004. Regular Mile One Stadium Box Office hours are Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm and Sunday, 12pm to 5pm. Regular Pepsi Centre Box Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9-5pm. For more information, please contact:
Lisa Neville, Mile One
Tara
Farrell, Mile One
Clyde
Simmons, Pepsi Centre ..................................................................................................................................
November
16, 2004 Well as 2004 rapidly drives toward closure we take a look back and have to be amazed at what Natalie and the gang have accomplished. The new year began with the airing of Natalie's performance on Good Morning America, then on St. Patrick's Day she performed live on one of America's best know radio shows-"The Don Imus Show" The winter and spring of 2004 was full of activity with Natalie promoting her recently released c.d. "Blueprint" A great c.d. with my personal favourite tune being "Eternal Friendship" In May, Natalie performed with the Boston Pops for their T.V. series. She had an opportunity to share the stage with renowned conductor Keith Lockhart and pop superstar Michael MacDonald. In June she performed at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, arguably, one of the most respected Bluegrass Festivals in the USA. July had Natalie performing in her new hometown area of Peterborough, ON and August had Natalie traveling to western Canada to open for country superstar Faith Hill and Eagle vocalist Don Henley!! Late summer and fall had Natalie and the band traveling throughout Canada and the U.S. playing many festival and theatre shows. Natalie and her band will cap off November by joining forces with her husband's band, Leahy, to provide 4 unforgettable shows in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. When 2004 is all said and done, Natalie will have performed at over 100 venues, made several guest appearances and gave many hours to charity. WOW what a year!!!! It truly has been a blessing to be involved with such a great artist and a great human being. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and may your joys be abundant.
All
the best, .................................................................................................................................. October 13, 2004
MEDIA
RELEASE Leahy and Natalie MacMaster To Perform At The Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax, Nov. 23 (Halifax, NS) - For the first time: Leahy and Natalie MacMaster will perform together, with two full bands, at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax, Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 7pm. Hailing from Lakefield, Ontario, Leahy is the multi-talented eight person musical collective, including Agnes, Angus, Donnell, Doug, Erin, Frank, Maria and Siobheann Leahy. The group have recently released their third Virgin Records album titled In All Things in February 2004. Recorded at their home studio The Farm, the album features trademark instrumental pieces like "Pointe Au Pic Medley" (respecting their Quebecois influences), "Gzowski Medley" (inspired by their admiration for the Canadian cultural icon), "Wedding Day Jig," and "Chasing Rain," a tune capturing the step dancing element that's always a key part of the legendary Leahy live experience. The group have taken impressive strides forward with the vocal tracks on In All Things. The dramatic "High Places" showcases their sonic adventurousness, while "Coyote" and "Runaway" are bright melodic pop songs. The eclectic nature of In All Things came completely naturally, as Erin explains. "With each project we look at the material we have all been writing. We don't really have a particular direction in mind in terms of how we want something to sound until we collect all the material that everyone has been working on, and see what moves us enough to develop further." "We all write individually," adds Donnell, recognised internationally as a true master of his instrument. "Sometimes something that is half-written becomes a collaboration, other times someone writes a whole piece." Leahy's 1997 self-titled debut along with tour dates with Shania Twain grabbed the public's attention earning the group sales of double platinum in Canada. It also sold impressively in the U.S. (reaching No. 4 on the Billboard world music chart), Great Britain and Europe. The group received two 1997 Juno Awards for Best Instrumental Group and Best New Group, and took home the Best Country Group or Duo trophy the following year. 2001's gold-selling Lakefield saw Leahy integrating vocal-driven material into their expanding repertoire, and In All Things now emerges as their strongest recording to date. 2000 Grammy nominee Natalie MacMaster returns to her home province to perform songs from her latest album Blueprint. The album, which pushes the boundaries for traditional music, fuses Cape Breton fiddling with the sounds of banjo, dobro and mandolin. Blueprint, recorded in Nashville with producer Darol Anger, features some of the best of America's blue grass community, including Bela Fleck (banjo), Jerry Douglas (dobro), Sam Bush (mandolin) and Edgar Meyer (bass). "I gravitate to quality musicianship - that's what I grew up with, " says MacMaster. "These musicians were a total pleasure to work with. That was the coolest part of making this record." That joyfulness is evident on the album's opening track, "A Blast," a series of five rollicking fiddle tunes, three of which MacMaster wrote herself. She also co-wrote "Jig Party" with her bagpipe player Matt MacIsaac and penned "Minnie & Alex's Reel" for her parents. "I'm in a real creative phase right now," MacMaster acknowledges. "Every time I sit down to practice, I have a lot of ideas for tunes and usually spend the first half hour just writing them down." MacMaster has won numerous East Coast Music Awards for her early traditional Cape Breton recordings and has taken Celtic music to new heights with albums like In My Hands, which featured elements of jazz, Latin music and guest vocals by Alison Krauss. For every contemporary album, MacMaster is quick to respond with a traditional one. Her most recent recording, Live, was two albums in one: the first disc showcased her Celtic rock band, including the big-concert sounds of synthesizer, drums and electric bass, while the other featured a down-home Cape Breton square dance with just piano and guitar. MacMaster, who plays with what the Los Angeles Times described as "irresistible, keening passion," thrives in both settings. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Oct. 8 at 12noon. Tickets are $35, taxes included and are available at the Dalhousie Arts Centre Box Office, by phone 902-494-3820, 1-800-874-1669 or online at www.dal.ca/artscentre For more information, please visit www.leahymusic.com, www.nataliemaster.com or contact:
Wendy
Phillips, Sonic Entertainment Group ..................................................................................................................................
August
20, 2004 See Natalie MacMaster on CBC Television in the upcoming series "The Greatest Canadian", on Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 8pm ET. Who made the list? Tune in to find out! Click here to find out about the show: www.cbc.ca/greatest
As
well here is the entire broadcasting schedule for the show..... Features on each of the Top 10 Great Canadians: Mondays and Wednesdays at 8pm ET on CBC Television, Oct 18 - Nov 22 (rebroadcasts on CBC Newsworld on Tues & Thurs at 8pm and 11pm ET). Exciting Two Part Finale: Who is the Greatest Canadian of them All? Sun Nov 28 and Mon Nov 29, both at 8pm ET. Check your local listings to verify air dates and times. ........................................................................................................................................
August
5, 2004 Natalie MacMaster will be opening for Don Henley on Aug. 8, 2004 at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC and again on Aug. 9, 2004 at the Saddledome in Calgary, AB. Natalie and the band are excited and have promised to knock the socks off everyone there! This is definitely a show you don't want to miss!!! Tickets can be obtained at ticket master by phone at 403-777-0000 or on-line at www.ticketmaster.ca ........................................................................................................................................ News Update: July 24, 2004 Natalie MacMaster will be opening for Faith Hill on Aug. 7, 2004 in Whistler, BC! Natalie will take the stage at 7:30 pm for a 40 minute show as a lead in to Faith Hill's 8:45 pm performance. The outdoor show takes place at Base 2 at Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler, BC and the crowds are expected to be in the thousands. All the details can be found on the Whistler website at: www.mywhistler.com ........................................................................................................................................
June
1, 2004
Well,
we are heading into summer and the Natalie's tour schedule is heating
up!! Natalie had a busy spring that took her across the New England
states into North Carolina for Merlefest then back to Ontario for a few
dates then finished up May, performing at Boston's beautiful Symphony
Hall. Summer will have Natalie performing at many outdoor festivals and
events, with her final summer performance at the Philadelphia Folk
Festival on Aug.29th. ........................................................................................................................................
February
11, 2004 Natalie has been nominated for a JUNO Award for "Roots & Traditional Album Of The Year: Solo" for her new recording Blueprint. The Juno Awards will air on CTV television on April 4th, live from Edmonton, Alberta.
For a complete list of nominees, visit the Juno
Awards website.
January
15, 2004
Hi
Everyone, All continues to go well for the new Blueprint CD. It has been very well received both by the fans and by the media. Natalie and the band are playing to sold out houses everywhere and the feedback on the performances have been amazing. Natalie and the band have been super busy the last couple of months. November saw them travel to western U.S. for 15 shows, then December had them in Ontario for 9 shows. In December Natalie also performed on Mike Bullard, Conan O'Brien and said goodbye to 2003 with a dynamite performance, along her husband Donnell Leahy, at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Natalie has also started work on her new video for "Appropriate Dipstick". She was accompanied by band members Brad Davidge and Matt MacIsaac and had a special guest appearance by Edgar Meyer. It will be fantastic!! The new year started out by performing on "Good Morning America" and received rave reviews. She did 1 show in Ontario and then the balance of January will be spent in the eastern U.S for 8 shows then straight to western Canada for another 13 shows. What a run! 2004 looks to be really filling up so be sure you get a ticket when she comes to your hometown. I assure you, Natalie's performance is something that you will not want to miss.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that 2004 brings you many
blessings. ........................................................................................................................................ Brad Davidge Releases new Video
Natalie's
guitarist Brad Davidge has released a video for the first single from his
recording "Unfolded" for the song "Stuck In The
Middle". Watch for a cameo by Natalie! ........................................................................................................................................
December
7, 2003 Natalie has completed shooting the video for "Appropriate Dipstick", the first video from her latest recording Blueprint. "Appropriate Dipstick" was shot at 'The Distillery' on Mill Street in Toronto last week. Also featured in the video are Natalie's band members Matt MacIsaac on Pipes, Brad Davidge on Guitar and Nashville Bassist Edgar Meyer. The video was directed by Joel Stewart and produced by Petro Danabassis. No release date has been set yet. In other video news, Natalie can also be seen in Brad Davidge's new video for "Stuck In The Middle". You can watch the Video on the Maverick Films website. ........................................................................................................................................
November
28, 2003
This
Thursday Dec 4th please join us in the studio audience for the
taping of Natalie MacMaster's performance on Mike Bullard. Local Number
for tickets: 416-703-3882 ........................................................................................................................................
November
25, 2003
This
Tuesday Nov 25th please join us in the studio audience for the taping of
Natalie MacMaster's performance on Vicki Gabereau. Ticket Hotline:
(604) 609-5766 or email gabereau@ctv.ca.
Click
here for more information and broadcast times. ........................................................................................................................................
November
3, 2003 Here is a short note to update all of you on Natalie's News... Well the U.S. release of Natalie's new c.d. "Blueprint" came off better than expected. The media and fan response to the new CD. has been nothing short of amazing!! In preparation for the Canadian release of "Blueprint" on November 5th, Natalie and her band performed
many publicity events from
the likes of Canada A.M. to CMT this past week in Toronto and You can track this tour via the Road Stories on Natalie's website. I'm sure there will be many humorous and interesting tales……
All
the Best, ........................................................................................................................................
August 12, 2003
Hi
everyone!!! Just thought I would take a few minutes to update you
on what's new with Natalie. The last year has offered Natalie many
changes and challenges both professionally and personally.
Her most rewarding change, I'm sure, is that of her marriage to Ontario
fiddling sensation Donnell Leahy. As Natalie's management we are really excited about this latest work and look forward to its release. And we know Natalie is "chomping at the bit" to get out there and bring her new music
to all of you
personally. Keep an eye on Natalie's website for the CD release date as
well as her
All
the best, ........................................................................................................................................
July
29, 2003 Featuring guest appearances by Jerry Douglas, Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten, Sam Bush, Alison Brown, Bryan Sutton, and others. On September 9th, Rounder Records will release Blueprint - a star-studded new studio album by Grammy-nominated fiddling virtuoso Natalie MacMaster.
Highlights include the lively "A Blast," "Gravel Shore," and "Bela's Tune," featuring driving solos by Jerry Douglas and Bela Fleck, the rockin' "Touch of a Master's Hand" as well as the slow and sweet "Eternal Friendship" and "Josefin's Waltz." "Much of the fiddling on this CD was not planned but 'felt' because of a moment created by the music. I was pulled like a tide by these brilliant musicians. I'd be fiddling along and all of a sudden play something I had never thought of before because they had carried me to a new musical place that was absolutely natural," muses Natalie. Also look for a newly designed website coming late August ... ........................................................................................................................................
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On
Blueprint, Natalie combines the fiddle music of her native Cape Breton
Island with the sounds of contemporary American string music greats Bela
Fleck, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyer, Victor Wooten, Bryan Sutton
and Alison Brown.