Australian Mark Saul's first solo bagpipe album is not for the weak of heart. He exhibits a wicked sense of innovation backed by a strong grasp of music tradition and an ear for powerful acoustic flavours. Thus, I don't think I could assign either the label of traditional or new world specifically to this CD because it's such a wonderful blend of both.

Sauls has been featured on World Pipe Band Championship CDs since 1992, according to his website bio. The Victoria Police Band was a recipient of many of his earlier compositions and it seems he is a musician and composer with the courage to explore. And as shown through his choice of music here, I think he is very likely creating new traditions.

For example, "Gateless Gate" is clear and precise pipe music surrounded by an electro-beat, and then he pipes down to a warm and easy Highland speed. The energy is contagious and the CD rollicks from dance music in "Forget the Golden Rules" to a familiar-sounding tune that encourages old-time foot tapping rhythm in "Journey to the Centre of the Celts."

Though this is a very exciting and fast-paced CD with, to my mind, some strange bedfellows accompanying the pipes (one track sounds like there's a banjo on board), the compositions are arranged so well, only the most unfeeling of traditionalists would not be able to admire the well-defined and at times, exotic airs.

Mark Saul takes the bagpipes to new heights, indoors, outdoors, anywhere you like. This is a CD to explore and explore some more. I think this may be leading to a new explosion of music for pipers. And though piper Ian MacKinnon of Rawlings Cross fame comes to mind as I listen to Mixolydian, the work of this CD is really a whole 'nother style.

This is for the brave and adventurous. Take a journey inspired by timeless and intelligent music that rises from the living breath of a Celtic soul.

- Rambles
written by Virginia MacIsaac
published 18 September 2004

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