Hunting McLeod new look, new sound.

**ccga3359** · 26th January 08, 11:29 AM

I just caught Hunting McLeod in Georgetown last night after our Burns supper. In the past year and a bit I've been following the band they've undergone two member changes. I've known the fiddler Corey for about 10 years from the Coast Guard Aux. and is a good friend so I have an keen interest in seeing this band do well, I'm also privy to some goings on behind the scenes.

A few months back HM had bring on a new drummer, that was 16 year old Oliver Johnson (

). Still 3 years away from being legally allowed to drink in their Canadian venues and 5 years in their American counterparts. Oliver, despite his lack of years is certainly willing and capable of putting on a tremendous show. Several times I've seen to front players stand aside while Oliver puts on a riveting, stick twirling drum solo that just, at first, quietens the audience and hen builds them up to a howling, hooting, cheering pandemonium. This kid is going places.

Just recently they've added a new piper in Ewan Brown (also a part time poster here at XMTS - Phat Piper). Last night was my first chance of seeing the new lineup and meeting Ewan. I've known him only by reputation before. He has taken over the piping role in the old HM standards without any discernible difference from his predecessor, which is actually a relief, as I do enjoy the old Hunting McLeod sound. Where Ewan's willing to stand back so that fans can see the HM they're used to so can he come forward and help guide the band in the next chapter. In addition to the pipes he also adds acoustic guitar and and a strong lead singing voice to a new tune.

They are currently working on their forth CD and I am very much looking forward to the future. My initial misgivings of the lineup changes were blown away last night. Hunting McLeod have defiantly become a strength in the Celtic rock genre.

**McMurdo** · 26th January 08, 11:36 AM

I was saying to David after we left last night that Ewan is a great fit for Hunting McLeod, it was a great show and a wonderful end to our Burns Night celebrations. I sincerely hope all the best for the band it really was a great show last night with good company and good music, I look forward to the next show I can make it to. As I said I think Ewan is a great fit for Hunting McLeod, heres hoping he can help them with the phase in the success of the band.

**turpin** · 26th January 08, 02:35 PM

I saw HM in Blairsville last summer. Oliver was pretty new to the band, then, but I can confirm everything Grant said about him. He just blew away the crowd. Great show, all in all

**SFCRick** · 26th January 08, 04:36 PM

they are a great band

**Kilted Stuart** · 1st February 08, 03:52 PM

Hey Grant, Glen and Dave!!
check out who made the paper in the Georgetown area with Hunting McLeod.
hope this link works!!!

http://www.snaphaltonhills.com/display/25509/308/

Kilted Stuart

**panhandlephillips** · 24th February 08, 06:33 AM

I caught Hunting McLeods show last night at a local fundrasier. It looks like Ewan is out and Alan is back is as the piper. Their website also has show Alan back it.

I don't know any of the details.

**ccga3359** · 24th February 08, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by panhandlephillips

I caught Hunting McLeods show last night at a local fundrasier. It looks like Ewan is out and Alan is back is as the piper. Their website also has show Alan back it.

I don't know any of the details.

It is true, creative differences and all. I spoke with Alan earlier this week and shot pool with Corey Friday. Hmmm, Milton was a private affair Corey and I go back ten years in the Coast Guard and Al I've known for some time from work. Who do you have to know to get entrance

? The rumour I'm also getting also is that the Glengarry Bhoys might be reforming.

**Kilted Stuart** · 24th February 08, 05:48 PM

There are a number of reasons that Ewan has moved on and Alan is back. I won't get into it to respect Ewan and HM privacy.
I know Ewan enjoyed playing with HM and enjoyed finally getting to play with Corey. Ewan just likes to play as much and as often as he can.

I was glad to see Alan was back, i'm sure whatever reason for there falling out has been smoothed out and HM will move on.

I think it's inevitable that the GB will return sometime, it was Graham's health and long hard touring that ended it. I can't imagine they will do as many shows as they were doing and have the same lineup as some have moved on and won't be back. They are a good band and seem to get to all the big festivals. They likely will pick and choose the shows they do instead of extensive touring that took it's toll on Graham's health over time. Who will be back, when or if they are returning is just a strong rumour right now, we'll have to wait and see.

Ewan's a good friend of myself and my family and a very good friend of MacHummel's and family and we will follow and support him wherever he goes. We also consider the guy's from HM friends and will continue watching them live and enjoy seeing them when we can. I'm sure we'll catch them in Kincardine in early July if not sooner. And possibly more beers by the campsite in Fergus.

We wish them all well,

Kilted Stuart