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Biography | Quotes | Photos | Poster | Past Appearances Biography“After hearing him play, you will want to experience his music over and over…” Known foremost for his Irish fiddling, Brendan Taaffe is a multiple threat: on lively fiddle, intricate and driving guitar, on the button accordion and as a singer and songwriter. Awarded a Master’s Degree in music performance in 2005 from the Irish World Music Centre at University of Limerick, and the recipient of artist grants from the Vermont Arts Council, Brendan has studied with Ireland’s leading musicians—Tommy and Siobhan Peoples, Matt Cranitch, Kevin Burke, Martin Hayes, and Steve Cooney. He has performed throughout America with some of the top players in the Irish and contra dance communities and toured in Europe with Northern Harmony. Lauded for “playing with heart as well as virtuosity,” his music is lively and infectious, his voice warm and inviting. Brendan released his debut solo album, Come Sit By My Chair, in 2003, “offering a seamless blend of fiddling, traditional and new songs, contemporary folk, and a sampling of Taaffe’s songwriting skills and his infectious voice.” (The Rutland Herald) He has appeared on four other recording projects to date, taught as an adjunct professor of music at Green Mountain College, and has been a music writer at Fiddler Magazine since 2000. A voracious musical appetite has led Brendan many places, from the dance music of Ireland, Quebec and Sweden to the vocal harmony of the Appalachians and abroad— and these strands weave together for an ever-changing program and a comforting stage presence, filling out the background of the music with stories of the people who play it. “I love your music, love what it means to you, love that you respect the tradition so deeply but are not too serious to laugh out loud while playing the Hare in the Corn.”
Quotes“As a contra dance caller, but most especially as a dancer, Brendan is the supreme example of the skilled fiddler I want to have on stage. He chooses tunes from a variety of repertoires, plays with heart as well as virtuosity, and knows instinctively how to reach his audience. After hearing him play, you will want to experience his music over and over…” Linda Leslie “I love your music, love what it means to you, love that you respect the tradition so deeply but are not too serious to laugh out loud while playing the Hare in the Corn.” Geordie Lynd “ Come Sit By My Chair offers a seamless blend of fiddling, traditional and new songs, contemporary folk, and a sampling of Taaffe’s songwriting skills and his infectious voice.” The Rutland Herald “Many of the fiddle sets are played at a pleasantly slower pace…, giving both musicians and listeners more opportunities to “climb inside’ the tunes. The entire recording is gently done, giving an impression of house-concert intimacy with professional-quality sound.” Seven Days “Brendan Taaffe is an excellent singer, fiddler and guitarist who is deeply grounded in New England dance traditions.” Peter Amidon “I've heard much good music at many contradances over the years, but you've jumped out as something special.” Deborah Knight, Saratoga Springs “Hot, hot, hot.” Julia Nickles, Brown University Dance Coordinator PhotosHigh resolution photos for downloading: please click on link. All images copyright Maurice Gunning.
Poster
Past AppearancesConcertsLinenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar Dances
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© Brendan Taaffe, 2005. All Rights Reserved. |
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