Points of Departure

"melodious, sensuous and philosophical" Deccan Chronicle, South India Roam is a collaborative Global Roots duo that has emerged from a ten-year musical relationship between Lisa Patterson (vocals, piano, alto sax) and Alex McMaster (vocals, cello, clarinet). Having performed mostly in larger groups, Lisa and Alex revel in the space for vocal and instrument resonance and dialogue, creating a raw and intimate sound. Roam's songs are infused with their diverse heritages and life experiences in living, traveling and collaborating across four continents. Collectively and individually Alex and Lisa have performed in Holland, France, Canada, South India, U.S., Mexico, U.K., Dubai and Pakistan. Roam were featured artists at Canadian Connection Fair in Netherlands 07 and Canadian Music Week 09 global roots showcase in support of Amnesty International. 'mysterious and interesting ... a story behind every song" Eric Vermeulen, MC-ENT, The Netherlands Roam's debut album Points of Departure (imaginit music /Phd Canada) released March 09, is a sensual and philosophical journey, telling musical stories of new beginnings, courage and surrender. It was recorded mostly live-off-the-floor to closely represent live sound. Alex and Lisa are active members of the Canadian music scene and have worked with many acclaimed artists including Feist, Jane Siberry, Cassius Khan, Lorraine Segato, Maryem Tollar, Kathryn Rose, A Northern Chorus, Toronto Tabla Ensemble and Melissa Laveaux. "Straight from the heart ... raw spirit yet highly refined, very creative and cool" Donald Quan, Award-Winning TV/Film Composer & Musideum Founder, Canada Alex McMaster is a classically trained cellist (University of Toronto) who was born in Malawi and raised in Zimbabwe, Canada, Bangladesh and the U.K. Living abroad has brought an international perspective to Alex's artistic work. She currently also performs with respected Canadian artists Christine Fellows, Lily Frost and Rob Szabo. Lisa Patterson, familiar to Canadian and international audiences as a solo artist, originally hails from British Columbia where she studied classical piano and was influenced by the dancing and singing of her Romanian and Scottish family. She has commercially released 3 music videos and 2 solo albums. The sophomore disc, Roam, from which this duo takes it's' name, was distributed in Canada (Festival Distribution) and Europe (Rough Trade Records) with Need Each Other, a single from that disc, remaining in the top 10 charts in Holland for 12 weeks. Alex and Lisa are longtime friends who both participate in the well-being of community through arts based work with women's organisations, at-risk youth and coaching young musicians and songwriters. FESTIVAL MAINSTAGES ... Edge Of The World Festival, Hadai Gwaii, B.C.; Peterborough Folk Festival; Niagara Folk Arts Festival, St. Catharines; Celebrate Toronto! Street Festival; Festival Mondial de la Biere, Montreal; Rendezvous Arts Festival, Elliot Lake; Festival de la Musique Traditionelles, Trois Rivieres.