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Heather
Dale
biography |
Canadian recording artist Heather Dale is a 21st Century troubadour, weaving
her tales with elegance and insight. While her inspiration is firmly rooted
in mythology and history, her innovative songs range from Celtic folk to
bluesy rock... each strengthened by her evocative vocals, lyrics and tunes.
Robert J. Wiersema (Vancouver Sun) writes: "Her music is powerful stuff,
reminiscent of Loreena McKennitt and Sarah McLachlan but with a depth and
resonance rooted in its mythic sources."
Heather
plays a wide array of folk and classical instruments, including piano, bodhran
drum, hammered dulcimer, tin whistle, alto recorder and bowed psaltery.
Her first solo concert came in 1997; she now tours with fellow multi-instrumentalist
Ben Deschamps (acoustic & electric guitars, double bass, flute), in addition
to her engaging solo shows.
Her extensive
touring schedule has recently taken her across Western Canada, Ontario,
Quebec, and Nova Scotia, with a full Eastern Canada tour between Manitoba
and Newfoundland in Spring 2005. She also performs in the UK and USA, with
festival dates booked for 2005 and 2006. "Heather Dale is a positive, vibrant
singer... and audiences really resonate with her voice and enthusiasm,"
writes Kim Bates (GreenManReview.com). Whether in a local pub or
on a festival stage, Heather always connects with her audience -- sharing
her songs with infectious energy and flair.
Born and
raised in Toronto, Heather discovered an early passion for legends. She
became fascinated by Celtic mythology, European folktales, King Arthur stories
and Native American legends... which led her first into fairy tales and
fantasy books, and later into Medieval literature. But rather than following
an academic path in either music or history, Heather chose to indulge her
third love: social & environmental activism.
While pursuing
environmental studies at the University of Waterloo, Heather began singing
at the local student centre and for history clubs in the area. "There were
no microphones, no fancy stages," Heather recalls. "Just 300 rowdy people
talking in a community centre. So I quickly learned how to capture their
interest, to draw them in -- so that by the end of my first song, the place
would be silent and listening." These early successes emboldened Heather's
later career shift into professional music. Heather still loves to promote
historical education by visiting schools, universities, literary conventions
and historical societies, speaking about the modern relevance of the King
Arthur legends.
Heather
Dale will release her 5th solo CD in 2005 ("The Road to Santiago"). Co-produced
with Paul Mills (Stan Rogers, Tanglefoot), the album draws inspiration from
the history and mythology of Britain, Ireland, Spain, Greece, Canadian Native
and Inuit cultures, and the Maritimes. "The Road to Santiago"
joins Heather Dale's previous recordings: "May Queen"
(2003), "This Endris Night" (2002), "Call
The Names" (2001) and "The Trial of Lancelot"
(2000). Sound clips and further information are available at HeatherDale.com.
Heather
could very well be the heir apparent to many of today's top folk/Celtic
stars," asserts Jim Marino of the Freewheelin' Folk Show (CFMU 93.3 FM,
Hamilton, Canada). With her new album and international touring, Heather
Dale's music is reaching new audiences all over the world.
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