Brendan Callahan is a fiddler living in Philadelphia, as talented as anyone out there. This 2001 recording really showcases his flair for drama and energy, and is matched by the stellar accompaniment of Philadelphia fixture John Brennan on guitar and Paddy League on bodhran. Not only is Brendan a brilliant fiddler, but also a gifted composer (you can hear his "Flavor of the Month" on Solas' fourth CD, "The Hour Before Dawn"). His tunes "Magoo's" and "My Martini" should become session fixtures before too long. This is a private release, but well worth the effort in finding. Email Brendan through this website ("fiddleguru").
I've played with Brendan in sessions many times. Beyond his great tone and attack, what I most admire in his playing is how every repeat is a new varation of the melody. Never with a studied feel, just endless flow-of-conciousness variations. This is clearly evident on this CD. A great guy and a great CD.
For those who were curious, on track 6, the "Gan Ainm" is in fact "The Kilmovee", a recently posted tune. Brendan listed the tune as "Gan Ainm" so the track listing here is technically accurate.
Stirring Debut
Brendan Callahan is a fiddler living in Philadelphia, as talented as anyone out there. This 2001 recording really showcases his flair for drama and energy, and is matched by the stellar accompaniment of Philadelphia fixture John Brennan on guitar and Paddy League on bodhran. Not only is Brendan a brilliant fiddler, but also a gifted composer (you can hear his "Flavor of the Month" on Solas' fourth CD, "The Hour Before Dawn"). His tunes "Magoo's" and "My Martini" should become session fixtures before too long. This is a private release, but well worth the effort in finding. Email Brendan through this website ("fiddleguru").
# Posted on November 28th 2003 by darinkelly
Brendan Callahan
I've played with Brendan in sessions many times. Beyond his great tone and attack, what I most admire in his playing is how every repeat is a new varation of the melody. Never with a studied feel, just endless flow-of-conciousness variations. This is clearly evident on this CD. A great guy and a great CD.
# Posted on December 1st 2003 by Plunkett.mi
For those who were curious, on track 6, the "Gan Ainm" is in fact "The Kilmovee", a recently posted tune. Brendan listed the tune as "Gan Ainm" so the track listing here is technically accurate.
Jason
# Posted on May 9th 2004 by Jason G