[.ca] Northumberland Rant

Required listening:
The first reviewer is absolutely correct in everything he says. This CD is required listening. It is encouraging to see this CD and several others of equal importance being issued at this time. Is there increased interest in this music, or is it just finally getting the attention it deserves? I first became interested in Northumbrian pipe music in the late 70s, and the only recording I could find was in the University music library. It was Billy Pigg's classic, most of which is included on this CD. The other two CD's that are required listening are NORTHUMBRIAN SMALLPIPES (Topic) and SPIRIT OF THE BORDER (Nimbus). The first is a compilation of important older recordings. The second is a modern recording made by the excellent Nimbus label, which has brought us other great CDs of contemporary traditional music from the British Isles. SPIRIT OF THE BORDER also features Chris Ormston. Perhaps Chris will finally get the chance to make his own CD.

A superb compliation of Northumbrian Pipes music:
I really think that this is one of the best compilations and introductions to the Northumbrian Smallpipes that I've heard in a long time. It covers a good many of the great players of the past ( Billy Pigg, Jack Armstrong, Joe Hutton ) and the current leading exponents like Anthony Robb ( a brilliantly played "Dargai"), Colin Ross, Pauline Cato and Kathryn Tickell. ( Particularly good to hear the seriously under-recorded Chris Ormston on there) Inevitably afficionados will notice omissions from both groups but a CD is only so long and Burt Feintuch and his colleagues have done a fine job in cramming as much excellent music onto the disk as they have. Well done!

• Archie's Fancy/Holey Ha'penny - Billy Pigg
• Keening in the Wind/Alston Flower Show - Chris Ormston
• Russe/The Winshield's Hornpipe/Jane's Fancy/Da Road to Houll - The High Level Ranters
• Rothbury Hills/Whittingham Green Lane/The Cott/Border Fray - Jack Armstrong
• Murray River Jig/Roland and Cynthia Taylor/Alistair J. Sim - Willie Taylor, Willie Taylor
• I Saw My Love Come Passing by Me - Anthony Robb
• Dance de Chez Nous/Aunt Mary's Canadian/Neil Taylor's Jig - Will Atkinson, Joe Hutton, Willie Taylor, Willie Taylor
• Lady's Well/Random/The Cliff - Pauline Cato
• Dargai - Anthony Robb
• Skye Crofters - Billy Pigg
• Torryburn Lasses/The Wandering Tinker/Marry Me Now/Mrs. Wedderburn - Nigel Jelks, Wayne Robertson
• Speed the Plough - Joe Hutton
• There's Nae Guid Luck About the House/High Level Hornpipe - Billy Pigg
• Robertson's Reel/The Grand Chain - Willie Taylor, Willie Taylor
• Jock of Hazeldean/Gentle Maiden - Colin Ross
• Pearl Wedding/Nancy Taylor's Reel - Willie Taylor, Willie Taylor
• Lament for Ian Dickerson - Anthony Robb
• Keel Row/Durham Rangers/Greencastle/Hesleyside Reel/Yankee Doodle - Jack Armstrong,
• Miss Hannah Ormston/Katie Elliot's Jig - Chris Ormston
• Mr. Nelson's Birthday Waltz - Kathryn Tickell
• Border Spirit - Billy Pigg