Customer Reviews

King of the Highland Pipers

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As a fan of massed pipes and drums I decided to give this a chance after reading the sleeve notes which give a brief biography of Burgess from his early days as a pipe prodigy to his latter status as possibly the most respected piper in history.

This album is apparently compiled from the first two albums made by Burgess for Topic Records. The recordings are good, almost too good: at times you can hear the brush of a sleeve against the bag and did I imagine even changes in fingering? That being said it is really just like being in the room with him as he plays and it is here where this CD either wins or loses for the listener as the closeness of the drones can become oppressive, especially when listened to with headphones.

If you truly love the pipes it is a chance to hear a master at his peak showing you how each piece should be played: piobaireachd with passion and majesty ("Salute On The Birth Of Rory Mor MacLeod"); jigs and marches with liveliness and precision in equal measure, ("Donald MacLean/Paddy's Leather Breeches", "Parker's Welcome to Perthshire/Achany Glen") and will allow you to appreciate the pipes with a new, educated ear.

Great CD. While the recording quality is not necessarily top notch, the piping most certainly is. Clean and flawless, Burgess is truly one of the finest pipers to ever squeeze the bag. Every tune, from the marches to the jigs, is well executed and played with the utmost expression. The piobaireachd is very moving, and the jig sets (especially the Old Maid set) get you moving. If I ever play half as well, I'll consider myself an accomplished piper.

Originally released in the mid-70s, the two albums that make up this CD demonstrate how John D. Burgess was the greatest solo player of his generation. After winning both Gold Medals at age 16 (the youngest ever to do so) he went on to a long career both as a solo player and teacher for most of his life. His tragic death just a year ago leaves a huge hole in the world of piping, and those who never had the chance to hear him live will be able to appreciate his genius through this CD.