The Brazen Heads
Who's Yer Paddy?
By Niki D'Andrea, New Times magazine
Published on June 19, 2008
Fans of Irish folk-rock like Flogging Molly will go Paddy-batty for this release, which blends traditional tunes like "Hag at the Churn" and "One Eyed Reilly" with spirited, fiddle-driven originals like the snarky title track (where guitarist/vocalist Liam Mackey wails "C'mon, c'mon, Annie, tell us all who's the daddy? And tell us all who's yer paddy?") and the mellow folk ballad "Dirty Dublin," which borrows more from Americana and classical music than raucous Paddy pub burners. The classical influence comes through most strongly on a live recording of Pachelbel's "Canon in D," which sees Brazen Heads stringmeister Tim Sadow taking a composition more than 400 years old and giving it a contemporary kick by leading a weepy viola (I was actually playing my 5-string violin, which has a viola C string on it) over a two-step beat that escalates into a scream-inducing shitkicker before subsiding back into its traditional slow-tempo swagger. There are still plenty of scorchers, however — take a listen to the originals "Wind That Shakes the Barley" and "If I Ever Lived Before." The former combines the lyrical talent of Brazen Heads multi-instrumentalist Mark Lanus with Sadow's catchy fiddle licks. The former is driven by a surprising and haunting disco groove, propelled by drummer Roy Plisko's backbeats and the Bee Gees-ish bass line of Bill Plisko, who wrote the song. While many write off Irish folk-rock and Celtic punk as a musical flash in the pan already grease-fired by bands like Flogging Molly, The Young Dubliners, and anything connected to the incomparable (and incomparably debauched) Shane MacGowan, there's a musical prowess and cultural authenticity to the Brazen Heads' music that commands the listener's attention.
Quotes
Please see the Violin Lessons page for quotes from students.
From review of performance with Walt Richardson & The Peaceful Warriors, June 2009
Tim Sadow can play the fiddle like there's no limit to his ability and he steals the show when it's his turn to show off his prowess on his violin.
From Ken Beals, Videographer, Jan. 2008
Honest opinion, you are one of the coolest, most intuitive Violinists...your tagline is so true "Classically trained, Alternatively minded".
From Kim Kuebler, Violin Teacher, Union, Kentucky, Jan. 2008
I love your music! When you play, I can definitely hear YOU! I love "They Cry"... and it is haunting. Wonderfully done.
From Pete Ekstam, Singer/Songwriter, recording session done in Jan. 2007:
I can’t thank you enough for the recordings. I think it SERIOUSLY turned out well. I’m super duper pleased. Can’t wait to hear the end result.
From Valerie Dopp, Orchestral Music Director, Willis Jr. High School, September 2006:
Just a note to tell you again how much we appreciate your presentations over the last two days. "You're the bomb" as the kids say. I think you piqued their interest and certainly excited them about playing. The info you shared was fascinating and your playing was outstanding. Thanks again.
From "Max's Blurb", Acoustic Scene, www.acousticmusicaz.com:
I attended Fiddler's Dream on Saturday night (August 14, 2004). The evening ended in a rousing standing ovation for Hannes Kvaran, Walt Richardson and Tim Sadow.
