"Live from North Hero" CD

Review from Sing Out Magazine
Fall 2004
Quoted in its entirety

 

At their most basic, bagpipes are a sound chanter connected to at least two wind-fed reeds, one of which is fingered for melody, the other acting as a drone. It is among the world’s oldest instruments and comes in nearly as many varieties as birds. To continue the aviary analogy, some pip, some chirp, and some produce unique songs. Since 1999, pipers predominately influenced by Celtic musical styles have flown to north-western Vermont where, in the island village of North Hero, bagpipes devotees have squeezed and blown notes across Lake Champlain. This collection samples from workshops and concerts held in 2001 and 2002.

Compilation CDs are as common as sparrows these days, but this one is worth checking out. First of all, it features loads of performers whose considerable talents are not yet attached to widespread fame. One such performer is Canada’s Deborah Quigley. Bagpipes have been historically a male domain and female players are still a rarity. Quigley’s skill on the Uilleann pipes takes a backseat to none. Also rare are pipe combos. Listeners are bound to be intrigued by the Northumbrian/Border pipes trio Moebius. Other lesser known performers include Benedict Koehler, Dick Hensold, Matt Seattle, and Patrick Hutchinson. There are a few heavy hitters, including Andy May, who has played with Kathyrn Tickell. May attacks his Northumbrian smallpipes with such enthusiasm that, at times, it sounds like a combination Game Boy/electric shaver! The Scottish smallpipes are given a polished treatment from Iain MacInness (Tannahill Weavers, Ossian). Jigs, reels and airs as interpreted by performers from Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, and the United States are played on everything from the quiet smallpipes to the bellowing of Highland pipes. This album will please aficionados and surprise those who think the pipes only squawk.

R Weir.

 

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