
About
Jade MacRae was born into a musical family, her mother (Joy Yates - vocals) and father (Dave MacRae - piano) both revered musicians and artists in their own right, having toured and recorded with the likes of Van Morrison, Cat Stevens, Gladys Knight, Elvin Jones, Clark Terry, The Buddy Rich Big Band, Chet Baker, Scott Walker, Allan Holdsworth and countless others. Music was in the blood, and Jades musical journey began early playing the piano and violin. Jade completed high school at the acclaimed Sydney Conservatorium Of Music, where she would continue to study right through to University level.
As an emerging artist, Jade was closely mentored by Sydney funk and soul luminaries
Jackie Orszaczky and Tina Harrod. This relationship proved pivotal in developing Jade’s appreciation and flair for arrangement and composition, and ignited her passion for soul music.
Jade would proceed to release two full length RnB albums under her own name garnering much critical acclaim and earning her three ARIA Award nominations and numerous APRA Awards and other nominations. Jade's innate capacity for live performance and fiery dynamic on stage led to work with Australian/NZ greats such as Jimmy Barnes, Cold Chisel, Renee Geyer and Neil Finn, and international heavy-weights such as Ray Charles, James Brown, Dave Stewart (Eurhythmics) and John Legend. Jade’s unmistakable tone saw her cast as the voice of “Cynthia” in the Cannes hit film “The Sapphires” and she remains highly sought after as a film,TV and studio vocalist to producers and artists the world over.
Since 2015 Jade has been a full time member in the band of esteemed blues guitar great Joe Bonamassa, a position which sees her touring the globe year round, as well as contributing to Joe’s Grammy nominated records and DVDs.
2020 saw Jade release her most pivotal record to date - Handle Me With Care. A collection of songs penned in hotels and dressing rooms whilst on the road with Bonamassa, this record would reveal a deeper musical and personal dimension. Jades vocals soar while the band drives and swings hard, with a sound reminiscent of Etta James, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Big Maybelle and Dinah Washington. Recorded all live to tape, and featuring some of Australia's most revered musicians and singers, "Handle Me With Care" has received high critical acclaim and been touted as the perfect comeback vehicle.
" Jade Macrae is one of the most naturally gifted musicians I have ever encountered. Jade is what you would call a singers singer and musicians musician. It is rare to see the combination of soulfulness and technical dexterity meet in such a great way. Most musicians are functioning with one or the other but find it hard to achieve duality. Jade sings from soul and it connects with the audience, that is something you can’t learn, it is born within. I am honored to share the stage with her every night..." - Joe Bonamassa