Review: Bohola - Don't miss 'em!

Subject: Bohola - Don't miss 'em!
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 09:28 PM

A friend of mine, Pat Broaders, has been telling me for a long time that I need to get down to see his new band. Last night that band, Bohola, played at my local. I had one of those rare Saturday nights off, so I went to see this band. I am not sure that I have ever enjoyed a concert more.

The lineup in this band is Pat Broaders on Irish Bouzouki, Jimmy Keane on Piano Accordion, and Sean Cleland on fiddle. Jimmy is known to be one of the very best piano accordion players in the world. Pat is known in Chicago, and around the world both for his uillean piping and his bouzouki work. He has played uillean pipes with any number of bands including Secret Garden, and his bouzouki work is considered to be next to none. Sean is one of the founders of, and played with for a number of years, with The Drovers (the band featured in the movie Backdraft).

My critique of the performance would be that these guys are damn near flawless. Each arrrangement consists of 15 to as much as 45 minutes of music. They will start you out at one end of the emotional spectrum, and through the skillful use of tempo changes, key changes, song selection, and tunes, they will pump you up, deflate you, wring you out emotionally, engage you, and then dump you out on the other end completely spent. As a performer meself, I am always impressed when a band that is primarily tune oriented can hold a crowd all night. But with Bohola, fully 90% of the people that were in their seats at 9 PM were still there at 12:15 AM. To say that they are masters of their instruments and craft is an example of classic understatement

Do not miss the chance to see these boys. You will be glad you did.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: Bohola - Don't miss 'em!
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 09:32 PM

By the way, they have signed with Shenachie and their latest CD is available there.

For the cynics among you, I am not receiving anything for this endorsement. I was so taken with their display of musical ability that I just felt that I had to share it with you. They are truly and astounding ensemble.

The last band that I witnessed a concert and felt this strongly about was The Bothy Band. Bohola is that good.

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: Bohola - Don't miss 'em!
From: CarolC
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 09:37 PM

Mick, did you happen to notice if Jimmy Keane utilizes the basses very much in his accordion playing, or if he mostly just uses the keyboard side? I'll understand if you can't answer, since that is something mostly only accordion players would notice. But if you did happen to notice, I'd love to know. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Review: Bohola - Don't miss 'em!
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 09:41 PM

Actually, Carol, I do pay attention to that. I have always been very interested in accordion technique, even though I don't play one. Yes, Jimmy uses the full range of the instrument. He is simply one of the finest there is. You might do a google search on him to learn more about him. And he is all over the bass buttons. I think you would enjoy his music immensely.

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: Bohola - Don't miss 'em!
From: CarolC
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 09:46 PM

Thanks Mick! I got a heads up about them from chanteyranger a few weeks ago and did a google search on them. But they didn't have any sound samples on their site at the time. Based on your endorsement, though, I think I would buy a CD without having heard them before hand.

Subject: RE: Review: Bohola - Don't miss 'em!
From: CarolC
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 09:48 PM

Doh! Which is not to say I wouldn't buy one based on chanteyranger's endorsement. But I don't think he knew about the basses question.

(Sorry, chanteyranger, if I'm wrong about that!)

Subject: RE: Review: Bohola - Don't miss 'em!
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 09:57 PM

You won't be sorry, my friend. But do yourself a favor and see them live. It is one of the most engaging shows that I have seen in ages. They are a pure delight, especially in an intimate venue. And say hello to Pat from me if you do.

HERE is there website, and HERE is there upcoming gigs page.

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: Bohola - Don't miss 'em!
From: Big Mick
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 08:11 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Review: Bohola - Don't miss 'em!
From: CarolC
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 08:25 PM

Thanks for the links, Mick.

Subject: RE: Review: Bohola - Don't miss 'em!
From: Big Mick
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 08:33 PM

You are welcome, Carol. I thought I would refresh it once more just to let folks see it. This is a wonderful trio!

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: Bohola - Don't miss 'em!
From: GUEST,Phili
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 02:40 AM

The Bohola I know is in County Mayo. Lawyer Paul O'Dwyer came from there. What connection with the band? Biogs at web site didn't mention, though one musician had "Irish speaking parents" and it didn't say where they were from.

Subject: RE: Review: Bohola - Don't miss 'em!
From: Big Mick
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 03:01 AM

Yep, that is the place that the band took as its name, apparently to honor some of the tunes from the area. Pat Broaders is Dublin born and an Irish speaker. Jimmy Keane is first generation and his parents, as I understand it, are Irish speakers. All three are known in Irish trad circles as superb musicians with Broaders and Keane being acknowledged as world class players.

Mick