Rod MacDonald
with
Cleopatra's Noodle

"String Band Trio"

Rod, Masako Yamashita

&
Paul Vincent

Cleopatra's Noodle's music is best described as an intriguing and artful blend of Irish, bluegrass and contemporary folk music. The brainchild of lead vocalist, guitarist and harmonica player Rod MacDonald, the lively and very entertaining trio expertly performs many of his original compositions, well-known cover tunes by artists such as Bob Dylan, and traditional Irish tunes.

Rounding out the trio is violinist Masako Yamashita and vocalist and mandolinist Paul Vincent. Yamashita, who reads fiddle tunes "on the fly", is a native of Japan where she played with a bluegrass band for 16 years. Her great violin tone and phrasing mixes well with Vincent's bluegrass-influenced playing and Rod's contemporary folk nuances.

Vincent, a veteran of the South Florida roots acoustic music scene and whose musical influences range from the traditional bluegrass of Bill Monroe to the jazz fusion creations of David Grisman, also contributes tenor harmony and lead vocals.

The trio performs at venues primarily in the south Florida area and has appeared at the South Florida Folk Festival in Oakland Park, Lake Worth's The Bamboo Room, Paddy Mac's in Palm Beach Gardens, and Main Street Cafe in Homestead.

"An amazing performance by Florida's own Rod MacDonald with his band Cleopatra's Noodle played to a packed house at the Main Street Cafe' (2/18/2005). Rod entertained us with his world class professional musicianship, and at the end of the evening the audience was left wanting more ... and more ... and more." (Pat Barr-MacLeod, Homestead Main Street)

"Cleopatra's Noodle gave voice and melody to the St. Vincent Fair this afternoon. Rod MacDonald, Masako Yamashita and Paul Vincent performed for 2 solid hours ... The Noodle regaled the audience with classics, Rod's originals and even a Bill Monroe number. There is real joy on that stage when this trio creates music. Their synergy is remarkable." (SF-Folk by Leni and David)