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

Winslow's Christmas Parade

 Ah well....

    This seems to be one of those regretable moments when "Life" gets in the way of "Planning".  I seem to have develop a few health issues that are going to prclude my piping for the next week or two!   Once again, I'll miss this great Parade.  

    Regardless of my situation though, you should still plan on attending this magnificent event.  And that's not just my opinion!

By Linda Kor: 

"As the holiday season nears Winslow is planning to welcome it in with its 66th annual Christmas parade at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17. This years’ theme is “Get Your Christmas Kicks on Route 66,” with the Standin’ on the Corner Foundation members past and present as the grand marshals. 
The Winslow Christmas Parade draws residents and guests from all around the state to enjoy what always proves to be a joyful holiday experience. Estimated crowds of up to 10,000 have been known to be in attendance, making Winslow’s Christmas Parade the largest in all of northern Arizona. 

Thank you."

Warmest regards, and see you soon,
Michael "Pops" McGee

Payon's Rodeo Parade

  Payson's Rodeo Parade was storybook wonderful!  A cool mountain breeze, soft cotton-ball clouds in a crystal blue mountain sky, several thousand spectators applauding the Piper, followed by a robust lunch with comrades, before the skies open to bath the scene with cleansing tears of heaven, knowing all the while that it is to make crippled children whole.  There may be something better than this, but if so I am sure the Gods have kept it for themselves.

   My next scheduled public performance will be at the re-dedication ceremony for Winslow's 9-11 Memorial.  Both of the drivers, and the truck that made the historic delivery will be there.  It should be a very moving experience.  September 11, 7pm at the new Rememberance Garden Park in Winslow.

I'd love to see you there!

Pops :-)

Let the Games Begin! :-)

  It’s August.  Kids are headed back to school, Summer vacations are winding down, and I’m getting ready for Parades with El Zaribah Shrine.  I’ll be kicking off with the Payson Rodeo Parade August 18, followed by the Kingman parade in September, Lake Havasu City in October, Anthem and Tempe in November, anywhere from one to three per month.  I’ll let you know exact dates, times, and places as the information becomes available.

     As Shriners these parades are all done at our own personal expense (transportation, lodging, meals, parade unit equipment, etc) in order to raise public awareness of our Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.  Hospitals where no child is ever turned away regardless of ability to pay.

Memorial Day 2012

This morning marked the 29th annual Memorial Day celebration at Phoenix Arizona's Pioneer Cemetery.  As in years past the Honor Guard was provided by the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Arizona.  It was a very moving ceremony and really brought the day into focus.

Slainte mhor,

 Pops

Relay for Life

Relay For Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams camp out at an athletic track, park or other gathering area, with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times throughout the evening. Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their camp sites during Relay. Relay brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, faith-based groups . . . people from all walks of life – all aimed at furthering the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping them get well, by finding cures and by fighting back.

The evening of May 4th I'll be piping the Luminaria Celebration at the ACS Relay for Life in Bullhead City, AZ. Come out. Make a difference. It may be your own life you're saving. :-)

The Evolution of Music Online | Off Book | PBS Arts

Veterans Day 2011

Friday, November 11th, 2011, after the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, the 224th Infantry Regiment Korean War Veterans placed a wreath at the Korean War Memorial at the Arizona State Capital.  This will likely be the group's final reunion as there are only a handful left.  I was honored to be their Piper.  God bless you gentlemen, and thank you for your service!



Played Vegas?

Last year I was asked to play for residents and families at the new Marquis Care at Centennial Hills Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center in Las Vegas. It was a holiday party, and I was the surprise entertainment. I used one of the un-occupied suites on the upper floor for a “Green Room” and I must tell you, these accommodations are VERY nice.

At the appointed time I entered the elevator playing Scotland the Brave and descended to the first floor, exited the elevator and marched into the party. The effect was wonderful. I was introduced and then played another tune, then the guest speakers, followed by a blessing and Amazing Grace. During the meal itself I switched to the small pipes and played to individuals, tables and groups.

I must tell you that the warmth and care exuded by the attentive staff was truly remarkable. This must be one of the finest facilities in the country! So have I played Vegas? Well yes, not “The Strip”, but I was able to help some very warm and caring people brighten the day of individuals who were having a hard time of it. I’ll take my gig anytime!

Slainte mhor! Pops :-)

Thrown in front of the Bus!

One of the neatest birthday parties I have ever played was for the hostess's husband's 40th birthday. As a surprise present to him she was going to take the celebrant and all guests (some 40 of them) "pub crawling". In a remarkable display of social responsibility she had rented a double-decker London Bus for the job.

I was to meet the bus half a block from the house and out of sight, and then when I received a phone call I was to Pipe the bus up to the house. The call came and to the skirling of Scottland the Brave and The Minstrel Boy I piped the bus up to the house where all were assembling in the front yard. I continued piping while guests and copious provisions were loaded onto the bus, and then as it drove off into the night.

I have always regretted not being able to accept their generous invitation to accompany them on their grand adventure. It must have been quite the party as late the next afternoon I received a call asking if I had found any items left on the bus!

Slainte! Pops :-)

A private service

It was a beautiful morning to be piping at Roadrunner Park.  While working through my tunes a friend approached me with a request.  His father had been given 90 days to live and he wanted a Piper for his funeral.  He wanted to video tape me so his father could see me perform.  I readily agreed and went through Amazing Grace. 

Sadly, the appointed day came even sooner than expected.  To begin the service I piped Danny Boy in the lobby as everyone was seated.  As soon as the service began I left and walked over to the Mausoleum where the interment would be.  A short time later the family and mourners arrived at the site and there was a brief additional service.  

At the conclusion of the graveside remarks I piped Amazing Grace to each of the four corners, and having finished piping to the East I slowly marched into the East playing Highland Cathedral.  The family and mourners departed for the wake, and I and my thoughts left for home.  Such days are bitter sweet, drowning in a dark sense of loss and dispair, and then the pipes, breaking the floodgates and releasing the grief.

Happy Birthday!

     It was a fortieth birthday party, and as is often the case with such events the piper was to be a surprise.  I arrived at the party on schedule and was met in the front yard by my hostess and the perpetrator of this event.  Everything was progressing according to plan. 

    The party was in the back yard, so she opened the gate on the side yard.  I gave her a moment to rejoin her guests, and then proceeded to march in playing a medley of Scotland the Brave, The Minstrel Boy, and The Rising of the Moon. 

    A brief silence fell over the crowd until they realized what was going on (Pipers are something of a rarity here in Phoenix, Arizona) and then they really started to get into it. 

    It was a lovely multi generational event with everyone from Toddlers to Gray Beards present.  It occurred to me that this is one of the things I enjoy most about what I do,  seeing and being a part of extended family and close friends celebrating and interacting with one another. 

    The birthday boy was singled out for special attention and I piped Happy Birthday to him, and Amazing Grace to his vanished youth! 

    In all I piped for about half an hour, and before anyone’s eyes started to glaze over I was gone.  What a Great Time!

Slainte Mhor!

                            "Pops"

A Funeral in Yuma, AZ

Earlier this year I was contacted by a young woman in Yuma (a community in the far Southwestern corner of Arizona) who’s father had just passed away.  He had often spoke of having a piper play Amazing Grace at his graveside. 

I accepted the engagement without hesitation, and 48 hours later at five in the morning I found myself packing my pipes into the car for a three hour drive down to Yuma.  The drive down was uneventful.  As the dawn broke over the vast desert ushering in the new day and I arrived at Desert Lawn Memorial Park about two hours early.  This gave me ample time to tune and get the lay of the facility.  The lush green grounds were a beautiful contrast to the desert I had just crossed. 

In due time family and guests arrived, fond memories were shared, and a moving service delivered.  This was followed by a salute rendered by a Veteran’s Military Honor Guard, and that followed by my humble piping of Amazing Grace. 

The odd thing was that people thought it strange a Piper would drive three hours one way just to pipe for sixty seconds.  I guess they can not understand, nor can I adequately explain, how great it feels to provide this “release” for those grieving.  The old Celts knew that only the Pipes can provide this.

Slainte,

Pops