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***nigelgatherer*** · (This post was last modified: 24-12-2011 03:42 PM by nigelgatherer.)

Song for the Smallpipes

[Image: SmalP.jpg]

Some years back I was giving a whistle lesson to someone at an army barracks in Edinburgh. Suddenly there was a burst of noise from an adjoining room and a piper - obviously good - started playing. My student stood up and went through to give the piper a piece of his mind. A few minutes later he came back, sheepishly, saying that the piper was world champion Robert Mathieson, and he'd decided against asking him to stop.

Here's the next Tune of the Week. I'm sorry it's taken so long - I've been extremely busy with my website and preparing for classes and workshops. This is a beautiful tune, composed by Robert Mathieson. Not easy to get just from the music - I think you really need to hear it to understand the phrasing etc. Enjoy the tune!

Beginner Sandra · 30-08-2011, 02:46 PM

Thank you Nigel, it is a lovely tune. Looking forward to getting to work on it!

Tosh Marshall · 04-09-2011, 07:56 PM

I had a bash at this tonight, I've not had a lot of time lately and I made a mistake second time round but it's a great tune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzrrTsKwKG8

John Kelly · 05-09-2011, 08:09 PM

Nice playing, Tosh. You prompted me to have a go too, so here is the Soundcloud link to my bouzouki and acoustic guitar rendering of the song. Thanks again Nigel for another very interesting choice - another new one to me!

Song of the Smallpipes

Tosh Marshall · 06-09-2011, 05:48 AM

Great version John, I love the way you have caught the atmosphere of the tune with the bouzouki and guitar, it has a haunting presence about it. Fantastic choice Nigel, great tune. My Rode Stereo Videomic appears to have died and that is why my recording sounds low volume......fortunately it's under warranty......

NiallAnderson · (This post was last modified: 06-09-2011 01:43 PM by NiallAnderson.)

(04-09-2011 07:56 PM)Tosh Marshall Wrote: I had a bash at this tonight, I've not had a lot of time lately and I made a mistake second time round but it's a great tune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzrrTsKwKG8

Nicely played, Tosh. I'm particularly impressed by your ninja mandolin blending into its surroundings - you'd almost believe it wasn't there...

Big Grin

Niall

NiallAnderson · 06-09-2011, 01:43 PM

I really should pull out my smallpipes and record this one, although I have to admit to having a complicated relationship with this tune: it's one I have heard being massacred by many beginner players, and so I tend to wince slightly when I hear it or it's mentioned... Bit like Highland Cathedral or Scotland the Brave really, if you've ever been around Princes Street in Edinburgh when the busking pipers are out in force.

***nigelgatherer*** · 06-09-2011, 03:57 PM

Pity, Niall. I had no such back history when I first came across the tune, so I was captivated by it. Some tunes do get "too" popular, Highland Cathedral and Scotland the Brave being strong contenders. I have a similar attitude towards Ashokan Farewell and Da Slockit Light as well - they're all good tunes, but when you've heard them hundreds of times you don't have the same sense of "What a wonderful tune" that people just discovering them do. Fact of musical life, I guess. Freebird, anyone?

Tosh Marshall · 06-09-2011, 08:04 PM

Quote:Nicely played, Tosh. I'm particularly impressed by your ninja mandolin blending into its surroundings - you'd almost believe it wasn't there...

I should have re-done it but it was a rush job, and I had a heavy day. It helps if I'm not wearing black t-shirts!!!!!! I'll get a more flourescent instrument next time!!! I wasn't too happy with the sound from the Rode Stereo Videomic, so I've booked a repair under warranty.

Nigel, I can't stand Freebird, probably the worst tune Skynryd ever did, much prefer Sweet Home Alabama!!! Same with Led Zep 4, Stairway To Heaven drives me nuts, I love Black Dog and Misty Mountain Hop, but then John Bonham may have something to do with that.........!!!!!