Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Live From Potter's field





     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