There are no musical boundaries present in this one-of-a-kind global roots, blues, folk and world music mélange. Formed in 1999, Tri-Continental builds on artistic respect and a deep passion for and knowledge of the blues. Bill Bourne, Lester Quitzau & Madagascar Slim present a truly unique and critically acclaimed sound that is soulful and present, intense and atmospheric.
Well recognized and respected artists with successful solo careers, they are major players in the Canadian folk, roots & blues music scene and who individually and collectively have received 4 Juno awards and 10 nominations. Their self-titled 'Tri-Continental' won the 2001 Juno for Best Roots & Traditional Group Album. Between 1999 and 2019 Tri-Continental released 5 albums and completed several tours in Canada and Europe and were joined in 2018 by Penticton based jazz drummer / percussionist / vocalist Michael Treadway.
Tri-Continental was nominated for 2019 Roots Group/Duo of the Year Western Canadian Music Awards. Their current album 'Dust Dance' was Album of the Year nominee International Folk Music Awards and Canadian Folk Music Award nominee for 'Pushing the Boundaries'. 'Dust Dance' reached #1 on national and international Earshot charts, remained in the Top 10 for 17 weeks and is available on digital platforms, live performances, and at My Label Store through Independent Distribution and Licensing Agency.
Together as Tri-Continental, something very special and magical happens with Bourne – the grand improvisor, Quitzau – kidnapper of the blues taking it to new dimensions, and Madagascar Slim – whose fascination with tradition and evolution found him on the leading edge as promoter of a new sound – the Malagasy blues.
This is clearly evident in the music they create, where sharing and curiosity leads them on fascinating musical explorations resulting in their infectious sound where world, Celtic, Latin, folk, flamenco, blues and African rhythms fuse into one.
