The four young pipers have their pictures printed on the cover in a fashion typical of 1950s long-play recordings. Thus an indication, I thought, that they'd have knowledge of the finer points of traditional piping and ability to match.

They're all Irish players, by name: Claire Byrne, Patrick Davey, Barry Kerr and Darragh Murphy. They had a good bit of experience before doing this recording -- very widely traveled and experienced musicians all. Could they live up to the lists of accomplishments in the liner notes?

Piping, I'll admit, is not my favorite style of music, and the uilleann pipes played here pale in my estimation to the Scottish pipes more commonly played here in Cape Breton, which I prefer to hear outside. (One evening, I took part in a community walk from the village center down to the shore led by local piper Justin Rankin. As I walked, I watched the black silhouette of the line led by the piper over the dunes against the red sky of the setting sun. No wonder people romanticize about the pipes!)

So, yes, the pipes can stir the blood. Moreover, uilleann pipes are easier to listen to indoors, like the music on this CD, which I think will probably inspire a lot of players. Here, each individual piper plays four selections to offer a wide range of reels, hornpipes, a hymn, airs, and single and double jigs.

It was very traditional in one sense and yet a good deal of the players' own styles and personalities became part of what I appreciated most. For example, Davey plays two original jigs, "O'Flaherty's Canary" and "O'Leary's Motorbike," and 14 of the 16 tracks used guitar. Five different guitarists eased the high notes and leveled out the pitch. Together, the musicians kept a lot of energy in the music and if you like this kind of music you couldn't ask for better.

It's a pleasure to see players of this caliber and dedication taking part in a collaboration like The Humours of Piping. Though it's apt to please the younger set with its revelry and pace, there's much on it the more traditional listener can enjoy as well.

[ by Virginia MacIsaac ]
Rambles: 28 April 2002