The Braeded Chord is an acoustic duo that truly offers something for everyone. Their music strikes a universal chord, with its inclusion of multiple genres for all generations. Performing songwriters Sharon Dennis (guitarist) and Doris MacDonald (keyboard) write and perform original songs and give a twist to familiar music. From thought-provoking contemplative to upbeat zany, from children's music to rocking worship, from blues-infused gospel to fun sing-alongs, the Braeded Chord is more than entertaining. Each performance is tailor-made for its intended audience. They weave melody that is sometimes haunting, sometimes driving with lyric palettes ranging from funny to profound. The musical partnership of The Braeded Chord began while the two were performing in the contemporary praise band of a local Baptist Church in Northern Virginia, and soon extended throughout Virginia, with tours to Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, Michigan, California, Oregon, Washington State and Hawaii and as far away as Kenya, Haiti, Lebanon and Ireland. They have released seven CDs and received several recognitions for their songwriting and performance, including seven WAMMIE awards for Best Inspirational/Gospel Duo and Best Inspirational/Gospel Recording.
FAQs:
How did the two of you meet and start working together?
Doris: Our sons were in the same class at school and in Cub Scouts together. One day we started talking and Sharon told me about playing in her church's praise band and also working with an artist development company. It sounded like a lot of fun, so I jokingly said, "let me know if you ever need a back-up keyboardist or vocalist." Sharon took me seriously-- I didn't know it at the time, but she was losing the keyboard player in her band-- within a couple of weeks, I was invited to play in the band. We found we had a lot in common and enjoyed working together, so about two and a half years later, we went out on our own.
What's the story behind your name, "The Braeded Chord?"
Doris: It actually originates from Ecclesiastes 4:12 that says, "a cord of three strands is not easily broken." We wanted to choose a name that reflected our style of music with its intertwined harmonies, our friendship, and of course, our faith, with the third strand being God. The "celtic" spelling-- well, that reflects Sharon's Irish ancestry on her mom's side, and I am married to a half-Scot!
