In the Shadow of the Haggis Bird

WOW!!! I've really neglected this site too long! Let's, since the last posting electronic venues have expanded with "Stageit.com", "Periscope.com", even "Face Book" does live broadcasts now. I guess it would be fair to say that Busking has gone digital. And if you live in the Phoenix market that is VERY significant during the these warmer Summer months. I think I've released a couple singles since I last posted, "Merry Christmas" and "Green Sleeves", and of course I've kept busy gigging around the Valley. Nope, no excuse. I've got to spend a lot more time on this blog! Sailnte, Mike

Celtic Music Magazine, Dec 12, 2014

“Michael “Pops” McGee is a bagpiper from Arizona, he currently has two albums available for purchase. His album, ‘Live from Potter’s Field,’ offers a nice collection of solo pipe tunes, many of them Christmas songs. The piping on this album is very good. Steady tone, and a chanter that blends well with the drones. These two often overlooked aspects of the Scottish Great Highland Bagpipes are very important in the playing and presentation of the instrument. Michael McGee is no virtuoso, but I find it rather refreshing to listen to an album of solo piping that presents tunes in a stripped down manner that allows the tonal quality of the instrument to shine in a way that is usually lost in the blazing fast tunes common to solo piping collections. In addition to the Christmas tunes there are also several trad. tunes and some old hymns. A very enjoyable selection of solo piping, definitely worth checking out.

 ARTIST: Michael McGee

 ALBUM: Live from Potter’s Field”

— Jack Baruzzini, Celtic Music Magazine

Going Home, From the album Live from Potters Field

Good Night From Arcadian Haven

     The new album (Good Night From Arcadian Haven) is finished at last! I laid down the final track today. This project started out as a St. Paddy’s project for release last March, but my son’s passing threw it quite a curve. Now, I’ve got myself back together, and modified the album to be more of a tribute to Evan. 

     I’ve incorporated some Small Pipes on the album in addition to a solo Chanter. I hope you like it, it should be available early August on CDBaby.com. I’ll also be posting the tunes on Soundcloud.com, Reverbnation.com, and naturally, my page on Facebook.

Thank you all for bearing with me!

Slainte, Mike "Pops" McGee

Now on iTunes too!

Thank you again!

   My new album “Live From Potter’s Field” is now selling on iTunes, as well as Amazon, CD Baby, Google Play, Zonga, and several others!

   This just seemed like a “win-win” for everybody.  You get 16 Bagpipe solos for the price of only 10.  Of course, if you only want to download a single tune you can do that too.  I’ve tried to include at least 1 tune for every occasion.

  Now, back to work on next March’s release!  ;-)

Slainte mhor,

Mike M

Live From Potter's field

"Live From Potter'sField"? 

     What kind of album title is that?  Well now, that is a secret.  I can't tell you.  But there are more than enough clues on the album for you to figure it out!

     Now, head for your closet, break out and dust off the old boom box!  Tracks one through four are Christmas carols.  These  are great to take caroling with you.  More than enough to get you and your's some cookies and cocoa, but not so much as to get you "ran off"!  “Good King Wencelas”, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, “Joy To The World”  and “Oh Come All ye Faithful”. All guaranteed to bring Christmas cheer to your neighbors.

     In keeping with the holiday I follow those four with three hymns, “Nearer My God To Thee” (made famous by the sinking of the Titanic), “Holy, Holy, Holy” (which is a great recessional for emptying a chapel after services), and a great short processional, “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow”.

     And, in acknowledging the more melancholy side of the Celtic spirit,  I've included four tunes for a passing; “Pleyel's Hymn”, “Going Home”, “Amazing Grace”, and a special short medley of “Taps” and “Rally Round The Flag”. 

     Then...  on a lighter note, I have also included “Happy Birthday To You”, and Wagner's “Bridal March”.  I can't be too somber now!

     Finally, I wrap it up with three classic  Bagpipe marches; “Scotland The Brave”, “The Minstrel Boy To The War Has Gone” and “The Rising Of The Moon” (also known by “Wearing Of The Green”.)  The more astute among you will recognize the last two as extreme Irish.  I was going to include “God Save Ireland”, but decided it was a little too strident for the season.  

     All of these tunes are performed on a single stand of bagpipes and are exactly what you will have if you hire a piper to stand there beside you and perform the tune.  No vocals, no accompaniment, no editing tricks, just pure piping.  Very good for the Piper, very good for you and very good for the soul!

     So download “Live From Potter’s Field” for some "instant gratification".  If I'm lucky enough to meet you at a gig I'll be sure to have a hard copy CD to sell you!

Slainte Mhor,

Mike

Final honors for Dad

      July 11, 2013 I had the honor of piping my father home. The story of his 92 years would make Indiana Jones look like a cowardly school boy. To quote my cousin "he was the Dad we all wished we had". Blessings on the Wind, Father. The likes of you will not be seen again.

Vanity ;-)

    One of things I enjoy most about the parties and events I play is when people come up and ask to have their picture taken with me.  Fun for the Patron and fun for the Piper.   Sadly though, I seldom if ever see these great pictures!

    So the thought hit me, if you will email your pictures to me at bro.falldown@gmail.com , I will post them on my various sites (Facebook, Reverbnation, etc) and give you credit for the photo.  Unless of course, you ask me not to post it.

   Yes its true, we Pipers are a vain lot!  ;-)

Slainte,

Mike M