Faugh-A-Ballagh Vol.1 - Band Bugles Pipes And Drums Of The Royal Irish Regiment

Advantages: Good music
Disadvantages: A few weaker tracks

...This CD, Last of the Great Whales, is another superb CD released by the Band, Bugles, Pipes & Drums of The Royal Irish Regiment under the direction of Captain Alex Knox psm, and Major Graham Jones MBE ARCM psm CA MUS. (What a mouthful!) I first became aware of this CD almost two years ago when the band of the Royal Irish Regiment came to my school to do a music workshop and then a concert in the evening. At the concert, they mentioned that they had a stall at the back of the hall where they were selling these CDs and had information about loads of stuff - but with me playing in the concert, I had to help pack up at the end and never got the chance to look at the stall. Then, a few months later, I was given the opportunity to play in another, bigger, concert with the band and at this concert some of the music played was Last... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Has got that unique Southern Hempishere style of playing
Disadvantages: Need more tracks

...This is an outstanding album by the New Zealand Champions. The tunes that this pipe band play are of a unique arrangement and has got that southern hemisphere style of playing something that alot of pipe bands in Scotland just don't seem to have when it comes to producing a cd or playing at a concert so that is a reason why you should definitely buy this cd. The medley tracks on this cd are excellent and the arrangements are a hats of to the pipe major and lead drummer because i have not heard anything really like it. As well as the modern contempary music this band is also outstanding in the competition class music such as the March Strathspey and reel track, and it definitely isn't hard to see why this band is a huge contender for to be southern hemisphere champions. Definitely a must buy for all keen pipers who like modern pipe band... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Good mixture of traditional, solo, and modern music.
Disadvantages: 1st volume is slightly better

...As well as owning this cd, i have also seen some of the tracks live in concert. Anyone who knows about pipe bands will without a doubt know that the Simon Fraser Uni are one of the best pipe bands in the world and have won the world championships to prove this. This cd being the second volume i feel just doesn't quite reach the quality as the first volume, however it is still worth buying. The first track is the hornpipe, 'The streaker' and once you hear this you know straight away that it is Simon Fraser you are listening to, with huge chanter sound and the American style of the tune. It is a longer length version than the one they opened their medley at the world championships with. Other tracks that is pretty outstanding is Stuart Liddels solo, one of the best solo players on the seen at the moment, Emancipation is another Simon... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful