 |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
Cascade was recorded over the two years and was released in the summer of 2003. It has been said to be some of the best material the band has played to date.
Read the review from Piper and Drummer Online, or read the one below.
by Colin Clancy
The 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band has a reputation
of being always at the forefront of music development,
and has a proven ability to tie traditional music
of days gone by with new and exciting contemporary
pieces.
This new release, Cascade, showcases the
band's innovation and also provides some great traditional
pipe band tracks for the purist. The recording opens
with a set of hornpipes opened with a unique drum
cadence that provides a break from the expected
3-pace roll. Excellent tone and execution is evident
throughout and the last tune in the set is a stellar
example of pipe band unison.
The recording continues with a pipe band medley
that shows why the band is consistently - still,
after 20 years - in the prize lists at major competitions.
An exciting set of tunes is blended together in
an array of breaks and bridges that add to the overall
ensemble. The blend of tone and harmonies is exceptional,
and some back-up instrumentation is added to the
next innovative track, Craig Colquhoun. A
piano and saxophone combine with the drum corps
to showcase some outstanding percussive talent.
A competition MSR follows, a very traditional set
with great execution. Pretty Marion is worth
the CD alone!
The liner notes provide lots of insight into the
tracks, and the next one, Cascade, details
the story behind GS McLennan's powerful tune. The
music is accentuated by exaggerating the most moving
phrases of the piece, allowing the piano accompaniment
to add suspense and drama to the ensemble.
The band then plays a set of traditional Marches
in a very contemporary style. The resulting combination
of piano and percussion adds a new dimension to
the Pipe Band March.
Next comes another pipe band medley, this time sticking
to traditional pipes and drums, but allowing for
more innovative bridges and pleasing harmonies.
In particular Farewell to Erin gets some
creative treatment.
The recording continues with a piece dedicated
to the victims of the Omagh bombing in Northern
Ireland in 1998. P/M Bill Livingstone and piper
John Cairns sing this tribute to the people who
showed the band hospitality and friendship only
days earlier when they were in Ireland for a concert.
The CD concludes with another tribute of a kind,
to the traditional pipe band hornpipe/polka. These
two classic pieces are presented in pure form
and beautiful tone, harmonic drones and musical
drive combine to give the recording a fitting
finish.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|