Sleepy Maggie
......Traditional
Whisky Dreams
......Iain Mac Harg
Archy House
......Iain Mac Harg
Guck in Ma Chanter
......Iain Mac Harg
"Sleepy Maggie", a very popular old Highland tune, is followed
by three of Iain's own compositions. "Whisky Dreams" was the
result of many fine house parties and ceilidhs. "Archy House"
was inspired by Iain's experience working as a tour guide at
historic Fort Ticonderoga.
Track #2 - Spur of the Moment -
Sean Coughlan's
......Traditional
Spur of the Moment
......Iain Mac Harg
The first tune is often heard at sessions in New England. Iain
learned it from Uillean piper Jerry O'Sullivan. The second tune
came to Iain in about a minute and a half.
Track #3 - No More Whisky? -
Whisky No More
......Iain Mac Harg
Not a lament for an empty whisky bottle... This tune was written
when Iain's old band Whisky Before Breakfast was dissolved.
Track #4 & #5 - Feadan Mor -
Suite 316
......Iain Mac Harg
The Big Chanter
......Iain Mac Harg
The first tune was written while Iain was teaching at a piping
college in Castleton, VT. The second tune celebrates the
creation of a new chanter design my Iain's father, Michael Mac
Harg.
Track #6 - Minor Adjustments -
Rowing from Islay to Uist
......Traditional: air
Rowing from Islay to Uist
......Traditional: jig
Cabot Trail Firehouse
......Iain Mac Harg
Dangling in the Breeze
......Iain Mac Harg
This minor set was created with the help of one of the best
friends anyone could ask for... Aron Garceau. "Rowing from
Islay to Uist" may be found as an air in The Airs and Melodies Peculiar to the Highlands of Scotland and the Isles. The reels are of Iain's own composition. "Cabot Trail Firehouse" refers to a concert during which Iain had the good fortune to share the stage with Buddy MacMaster. "Dangling in the Breeze" refers to
rapelling down mountain cliffs, buildings, or anything else with
dramatic drop-offs.
Track #7 - Taigh Nan Uisgean Binne -
A Wild Night with Angus
......Iain Mac Harg
Taigh Nan Uisgean Binne
......Iain Mac Harg
This set is dedicated to Iain's parents. The first tune was
inspired by a rental car which Iain and his wife named Angus.
"House of the Singing Waters" is the name of the property where
Iain grew up.
Track #8 - Killian's -
Killian's Green Fairy Hill
......Traditional
Iain first heard this slow air on a Canadian program, Road to
Avonlea.
Track #9 - Smallpipe Symphony -
Chevy Chase
......Traditional
Jenny Nettles
......Traditional
PM. George Ritchie's Favorite
......Iain Mac Harg
Iain learned the first tune from Richard Butler, Piper to the
Duke of Northumberland. "Jenny Nettles", another Lowland tune, was first published in Bremers Reels of 1769. The last piece is
Iain's composition. It is named after Iain's piping teacher and
friend.
Track #10 - Farewell -
A Fond Farewell
......Iain Mac Harg
"A Fond Farewell" was written for Iain's piping teacher, PM.
George F. Ritchie. He will be sorely missed.
Track #11 - Cookin' with Seamus and Jimmy
-
Cook in the Kitchen
......Traditional
Seamus Cooley's
......Traditional
Jimmy Ward's
......Traditional
These are a few of Iain's favorite Irish jigs. These tunes are
played rather slowly so as to bring out their more melodic
character.
Track #12 - Eibhli Geal Ciuin Ni Cearbhaill -
Bright Quiet Eileen O'Carrol
......Traditional
This tune is a favorite amongst Iain's students. It is beautifully expressive, yet very simple.
Track #13 - Electric Chanter Boogie -
Sleive Russel
......Traditional
This is a test of the emergency bagpipe system...
Track #14 - Trip to Cape Breton -
Forest Lodge
......Traditional
High Road to Linton
......Traditional
Two historical tunes played in Cape Breton settings. "Forest
Lodge" was first published in Alexander McGlashan's A Collection
of Reels (1786) under the title "Duke of Athol's Forest Lodge,
Glen Tilt". In fiddle settings it also appears as a strathspey.
The second reel, "The High Road to Linton" dates from the 18th
Century and refers to a cattle droving route from the Highlands
through the Borders to England.
REVIEW
This album was worth waiting for!
As the title indicates...Iain went with "tradition". Iain
arranged all the traditional tunes for the 'pipes and he did a
great job doing so. If you like bagpipes, like I do, you are going to love this album. The whistles are especially enchanting. I have a soft spot for Irish whistles and Iain does a superb job on this album.
This album is a keeper. I would suggest you add it to your album
library as soon as posible.
