Born: April 7, 1956 Primary Instrument: Keyboard
Biography - Michael McFadden Musician/Composer/Keyboardist
“Music is a gift from God and the desire of my heart & spirit”
Music began early in the McFadden home. All three of my brothers and myself took piano lesson at an early age. It stuck with me, and I later found out that my father was a musician, a piano player.
After high school and Computer programming training, the music was speaking to me. I started studying with the Berklee School of Music, correspondence courses. Then went on to study with the then famous Allen Massey School of Music of Washington DC.
I joined my first band in 1978, of course a funk band, playing in the local clubs in Washington. I had the pleasure of studying under Mr. Harold Alexander, a recording artist, who came through the studio ranks with George Benson and Chuck Mangioni.
I formed my first band, “Presence” in the early eighties. Presence became very successful on the local music scene and played everywhere there was to play in the metropolitan area. I began to write music for the group and to perform mostly original music. In 1983, I performed at the wedding of Rick Walker, with the Washington Redskins. Mr. Walker opened his own club and booked Presence, where we performed our original music. The music was widely accept and the popularity of the group grew as we continue to perfect “Presence” and our music.
I had the opportunity to meet and record the group KLEER. During the recording session, they heard my music and assisted me in submitting it to Atlantic Records, who was considering the group for a contract, but the group dissolved before this happened. I freelanced for a while playing with Kevin Toney of the Blackbirds, Ms. Gloria Brown and Bobby Parker.
In 2001, after a long career as an Independent Computer Consultant, I was moved by the spirit to step out on faith and pursue my musical aspirations. I was at the time, the Choir Director for a Baptist church and Music Director for the gospel group “God's Presence”.
2002 was spent cultivating my jazz. I was blessed to perform at the Decatur Carriage house, which is a museum in Lafayette Square and for the Women Veterans league. I am the Music Coordinator for the Black Theatre group “Dramatic Work”, writing music for their upcoming play. My latest project “Elements Q” is a jazz trio that will be performing in early 2003. And I will be working on my debut album in 2003.
“All things are possible through Jesus Christ, who strengthens us.”
