Submitted on Mar. 2, 2009 by Barb Northwood, Weekend Hospitality Coordinator
I confess to not knowing Brad Prevedoros prior to his appearance at
Queenswood for our Dinner and Artist Series on February 2nd, but I do now. I also confess to not having listened to a guitar player of his caliber live before, but I have now - and I will be forever changed by the experience. Brad took me on a journey through his music. He played from different genres and from different time periods. He played music other people have written and he played music he himself wrote. In that way he took us, his audience, from the more global recognition of music into the personal stories of his life with pieces he has written for his child and for his wife. In between the different pieces, Brad told stories - the stories of how and why the music came to be. Another aspect of his performance that was so interesting is that he shared how he played his guitar. It isn't as though he has found a way and wants to keep it secret. Rather, he wants to share what he knows so others can know too. He showed different ways his fingers could evoke different sounds. Several times he said, "For those who play guitar..." and proceeded to give lessons.
The man and the music are inspirational in both practical and profound ways. There were times when I felt the music stir something deep inside me - chords that before that night haven't been touched. In the weeks since, I have listened to music on the CBC differently - more intently - especially when I hear the guitar. So, even though I am not one who plays the quitar, I too have learned from him.
Brad played in the Queenswood chapel. The chapel is the most amazing place to listen to music. I wonder how John Discastri knew to make such a room that music would resonate so beautifully in. To know how to is part of the genius of DiCastri - he left as part of his legacy this chapel where the sound of music continues to move and inspire.
Since that evening I have said to friends that I went to see Brad Prevedoros play and they are impressed. They know who is. Now, I do too. And I won't forget hearing him. If you come upon an opportunity - I recommend you do too.
