Seattle Post Intelligencer, Seattle Noise: The Tallboys, by Tizzy Asher, August 30 2007
"WHO: Joe Fulton, fiddle; Charlie Beck, banjo; John Hurd, bass; Charmaine Slaven, guitar and buck dancing. All members sing.
FORMED: Seattle, 2003
RELEASES: "Rubber Dolly," 2007; "Yeah Buddy," 2006; "Wild Hog," 2005; "Hang It on Your Door," 2003. All are self-released.
SOUND: Old-time music is, by nature, participatory. It finds its roots in communities coming together to celebrate and entertain themselves, back when there were few outside sources of entertainment. Audiences are encouraged (and even expected) to clap, dance or even sing along with the rollicking and infectious combination of banjo, fiddle and Slaven's tapping feet (she plays rhythm for the band by dancing) at any Tallboys show.
QUOTE: Says Hurd, "The old-time music scene really embraces the sharing of tunes, songs and dances. It is an important way this music has been kept alive. I think that really appeals to people who are looking for something beyond TV-driven culture. It's do-it-yourself entertainment, and if you can get a few players together, and maybe some dancing going, you've got hours of fun with no electricity required."
WHERE TO LISTEN: Sound clips are available at thetallboys.com.
NEXT SHOW: A CD release party for "Rubber Dolly" happens tonight at 9 at the Tractor Tavern, with additional performances by The Flat Mountain Girls and The Water Tower String Band. Tickets $8 at the door. The band also hosts a free "old timey social" every Tuesday at Conor Byrne Pub."