This is the debut CD from fabulous innovative piper Gordon Duncan. I first heard of this guy when Polkemmet Pipe Band (under the leadership of PM Robert Mathieson) recorded Gordon's tune 'Andy Renwicks Ferrett'. This tune was so original (it uses c naturals) that it became an anthem in the piping and traditional music world being recorded by bands like Seannachie and the Battlefield Band. When this CD was released it was a very exciting prospect and it totally lives up to all expectations. The CD covers all aspects of Gordon's playing from traditional marches and strathspeys to electronically looped snare drums playing under bagpipes in a track that wouldn't sound out of place in a disco. Throughout, Gordon's playing is without question some of the best playing you will ever hear anywhere. His compositions on this CD are also fantastic including the now 'traditional' Break your Bass Drone'.
Musicians:- Gordon Duncan - Highland pipes, Ross Kennedy - bouzoukie, Conrad Molleson - electric bass guitar, Jim Sutherland - djembe drum & congas
Drum Corps:-, Jim King - snare drum, Alistair McNab - snare drum, Lyndsay Kaye - tenor drum, Ian Sinclair - bass drum
"This man is precious and should be one of Scotland's national treasures"
Title:
"This man is precious and should be one of Scotland's national treasures"
The man is incredible . A genius,albeit one who often breaks the conventional rules.
Title:
The man is incredible . A genius,albeit one who often breaks the conventional rules.
Source:
Irish Pipe Band Association
Review:
This is the second solo recording by Gordon Duncan for the Greentrax label . As well as featuring Gordon on the highland bagpipes and Overton whistle , he is accompanied on a number of tracks by a variety of other musicians including Gerry O'Connor on banjo , Ian Carr on guitar , Andy Cook on Ugandan harp , Ranald MacArthur on bass guitar , Donald Hay on drums and Jim Sutherland on miscellaneous percussion . Oh yes -it also features Gordon playing the practice chanter! This is a decision which will probably open Gordon to some criticism but nevertheless it is a brave move in some respects and makes an attempt at elevating the practice chanter into the position of being a musical instrument in its own right . This works to a degree . The chanter played is much more pleasant to listen to than your 'run of the mill' band room practice chanter and it actually combines well with the banjo and percussion . Added to this Gordon's amazing breathing control (hence the title "Circular Breath") the effect is not totally unpleasant . I think personally that I would still have preferred to hear the excellent tunes played on the bagpipes proper . The album is much different to the usual solo piper's album in that it is not all piping . Gordon plays a very nice tune on the whistle called 'Clan Meets Tribe' . It is a very relaxed tempo and combined with bass and practice chanter gives a very nice effect . As well being accompanied on the practice chanter with the banjo , Gordon is joined on some piping tracks by same . Incidentally , Gerry O'Connor's banjo playing is excellent . To disprove the theory that Gordon is a 'kitchen piper' , he also plays a number of tracks in the traditional style including march strathspey and reel sets and a piobaireachd . Apart from perhaps playing the marches at a much faster tempo than we are accustomed to , Duncan acquits himself well in these . All are adorned by his incredible fingering technique . The album also contains copious examples of Gordon's 'kitchen piping' - a number of highly entertaining pieces - many of which are his own compositions . Accompanying the album are the typed settings for each of his own tunes - a nice innovation . This album transcends the normal boundaries of solo piping albums and should have a big appeal to non-pipers . Anything that brings piping to a wider audience cannot be bad . Of course , I am writing all this from the viewpoint of being a dedicated Gordon Duncan fan . The man is incredible . A genius,albeit one who often breaks the conventional rules . This album will not disappoint irrespective of what you think of the practice chanter and other innovations . A highly entertaining album , as good music should be. Irish Pipe Band Association
Customer Reviews
Just for Seamus
Dave Longbotham
Title:
Just for Seamus
Rating:
Name:
Dave Longbotham
Review:
Gordon Duncan just before he became the legend. Worth every penny just to hear the title track, borders on extreme playing. Some nice traditional tunes in there too.
