Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Steve Slade stands out in my book as a gifted singer, songwriter, and performer. He's got a remarkably versatile voice and ain't afraid to use it. He makes every song his, especially the smooth croonin' tunes. He's got a great touch with a harmonica, a sure feel to his guitar playing, and he's a master at combining both to draw a song to a sweet, lingering ending - you can't always tell whether the sound you're still hearing is in the air or just in your head. His songwriting gives you the feel of a song you already know, not because it's predictable but because it resonates with how you feel and what you unconsciously want to hear; he's got original approaches to familiar themes, and an ear for the rhythm, and a heart behind the lyrics. His stage presence invites the audience along for quite an enjoyable ride.
- Don Osburn - Deep Roots Music Co-op, Wolfville NS
When I first came up to Whitehorse a number of years ago, on my way out of town I picked up a sampler of local musicians. And I heard a couple of songs on that album that turned me around. I spent the next few years asking every musician I knew if they'd heard of this songwriter, and no one had. And eventually I came back to the Yukon and everyone knew him. And I got to hear more of his songs - he's one of the finest songwriters I know. I'm going to do one of his songs now. It's called "Jenny" by Steve Slade.
Aengus Finnan at the Frostbite Music Festival 2004
- Aengus Finnan - Songwriter
"A brilliant songwriter... a great set... the song 'Choose Me' is dynamite!"
- Patrick Kelly - Artistic Director
Steve is a very wonderful performer, suited for all ages, a prolific songwriter, a great musician, that sings and plays his songs just like he is in your own living room. His songs make you feel very comfortable, and you find yourself lost in his stories listening to every word he has to sing or say. Life is on hold when Steve is up performing! - Karen Ljungh
...Slade is a genuine original who brings a quiet dignity to his music and his life. I look forward to many more songs from this treasure of the Yukon.
- Dave Gillmor, Audio Borealis
"Steve Slade mines the Yukon music mother lode!"
- Les Pearson
"The man who almost stole the show from Valdy and the Shuffle Demons is back... " - Whitehorse Star
Steve Slade's songs touch you - heart, mind and soul. He delivers a wide versatile range of material with an irresistably pure honest voice that lingers to haunt you long after the song is done.
Jack Sheriff; Owner/Promoter
Kipawo Arts Centre, Wolfville NS
Lunenburg Opera House, Lunenburg NS
- the late Jack Sheriff
"a monster of music..." - Yukon News
Discography
flying into inuvik (2005)
this would be me (2003)
Valley Voices Compilation (2003 - Shelter Valley)
Slade / Zenovitch / Chouinard (out of print)
The Yukon Collection (Caribou Records)
Another Day in Paradise (CBC Yukon Compilation)
Dizzy Grizzly (out of print)
Farrago Folk Festival 1981(out of print)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Steve has performed in concert, coffeehouses and various festivals from the Yukon to Newfoundland and throughout the continental United States and Alaska.
He has performed for princes and premiers, daycares and nightclubs. His prodigious repertoire and intelligent, yet affecting, original songs seem to strike a universal chord.
He has appeared on various national TV and radio broadcasts and his recordings receive weekly air play on all three local radio stations as well as other national, international and regional shows including regular rotation on Alaska Public Radio.
His original compositions have been covered and recorded by various northern artists and numerous closet musicians.
After a self imposed hiatus from performance to concentrate on his parenting skills, Steve has returned to the concert stage. His recent appearances include the Frostbite Music Festival, a Bluebird North Concert with Sylvia Tyson, Gary Fjellgaard and Dave Peckell; the nationally broadcast CBC True North Concert; a songwriter's in the round concert for the Canada Council; and the South East Alaska State Fair where he shared the bill with such diverse artists as George Winston, Steve Earle, Elvin Bishop and Peter Rowan.
Links