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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…” Shorter Lauded for "playing with heart as well as virtuosity," Brendan Taaffe is a prominent guitarist, fiddler and singer in New England's thriving contra dance and Irish music community. Brendan honed his driving guitar style and deep knowledge of the Irish tradition while living in Limerick and playing regularly in sessions. Now based in Vermont, Brendan has played at festivals, concerts and dances throughout North America and Europe with his band Magic Foot and other ensembles. He is also the author of Handy with the Stick, a book about Irish fiddling, and the founder of Turtle Dove, an organization that sponsors harmony singing for adults. Longer Lauded for "playing with heart as well as virtuosity," Brendan Taaffe is a prominent guitarist, fiddler and singer in New England's thriving contra dance and Irish music community. Brendan honed his driving guitar style and deep knowledge of the Irish tradition while living in Limerick and playing regularly in sessions. Now based in Vermont, Brendan has played at festivals, concerts and dances throughout North America and Europe with his band Magic Foot and other ensembles. Awarded a Master's Degree in music performance in 2005 from the Irish World Music Centre at University of Limerick, Brendan has received grants in 2005 and 2009 from the Vermont Arts Council for further study. With Magic Foot, Brendan has released two albums (Stomping Ground in 2009, an eponymous E.P. in 2008), recorded with Northern Harmony in 2005, and has two solo albums. His debut solo album, Come Sit By My Chair, was released 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 is also the author of Handy with the Stick, a book about Irish fiddling, and the founder of Turtle Dove, an organization that sponsors harmony singing for adults. “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“Your mbira playing is beautiful.” Pete Seeger “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 PhotosHigh resolution photos for downloading: please click on link.
Poster
Past AppearancesConcertsLinenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar Dances
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© Brendan Taaffe, 2005, 2009, 2013. All Rights Reserved. |
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