Album Notes

Whether you like to nuzzle in for a Cajun Waltz or stomp your feet to songs about the likes of Jesse James and Jack Duggan, The Wild Colonial Boy. If you'd prefer to sway to Gus Kahn's Making Whoopee or two-step your way through St. Patrick Was a Gentleman a song about the most revered and respected of spiritual patrons. Or if you're just looking for something different in an evening's entertainment, check out this band: The Shots.
Their repertoire spans the gamut from Lester Flatt to Leadbelly, The Balfa Brothers to The Beatles, Johnny Cash to The Kinks with a smattering of Fats Waller, Bob Dylan, Elvis and Nancy Sinatra thrown into a set of over sixty songs and tunes. They're running with Doug Sahm's baton, rejigging some Holy Modal Rounder ditties and churning out some of the best renditions of Irish, Old-Time, Bluegrass and Cajun music ever heard.
Add to this, original material that is on a par with all of the above. Songs recorded on their 2002 CD, King Ludd. Ball of Malt, Y Chromosome, Hind Tit, Opus, The Courtesan and eight more titles that set this band apart as top notch creators and interpreters of music.
Barry Mullis: (Vocals / Guitar / Banjo/ Mandola & Harmonica)
Barry was born and raised in Co. Mayo in the west of Ireland. Although his first musical influences were specific to home, he cultivated an interest in World Music from an early age. The recordings of Ry Cooder and others introduced him to the music of Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly and from there he delved deeper into the music of Appalachia, The Ozarks and beyond to unearth the styles that continue to permeate his writing and performing.
Priscilla Boyle: (Upright Bass / Backing Vocals / Low Whistle)
A native of Northumberland in England, Priscilla studied piano and violin before she turned to Upright Bass. Having lived within spitting distance of Hadrian's Wall (the dividing line between Scotland and England) she absorbed influences from both sides of the border. With a variety of styles including Rockabilly slap bass and fluid Blues runs, she finds just the right accompaniment for each song & tune in the band's set.
John Hiser: (Drums / Percussion)
London born, Jersey raised, and calling San Francisco home, John has been playing live music for over 15 years. A current obsession with hybrid musical styles led him to the drum kit where he feels the most confident bending the definitions of genre. Rock, bebop, funk, and acoustic music have all contributed to his drumming, and this format provides a perfect vehicle for him to explore the boundaries of groove.