Check this guy out!

[mookien]

Very energetic and entertaining! Not being a piper, I take it that he is pushing the boundaries of playing and dancing. I enjoyed his performance, but I couldn't listen/watch it for long.

[EagleJCS]

He's entertaining and technically proficient, but he isn't playing anything. Just a string of throws and embellishments done really fast.

I agree. I don't recognize any of the common Scottish repertoire (not even a snippet). Sounds more like a long jazz improv on the pipes. Maybe part of 'Angus Thing' about 2 minutes in. He definitely shifted modes (major to minor) for about a minute. He's doing some 'false fingering' to get some 'flat' notes (flat as compared to the standard).

OK if you like that sort of thing. Now if he'd been able to do 'Angus Thing' into 'Banjo Breakdown' into 'Steam Train to Mallaig' into 'Hellbound Train', then we'd be getting somewhere!

[Spartan Tartan]

He's entertaining and technically proficient, but he isn't playing anything. Just a string of throws and embellishments done really fast.

I think that is exactly what was so impressive. A long string of improvising but retaining some musicality. I had to watch it again.

[Guinness>water]

I agree, not real music. I didnt hear any "song" that I have ever heard before but how fast he was playing got my attention. I wish so bad I could afford some pipes and a some instruction. I'd love to play someday.

[Jerry]

Just saw a group at my son's wedding called The X-Band. . They are a Richmond band who are associated with The Virginia Scots Guards. They are similar to Clan An Drumma and Albannach. The lead piper, David Hinton played in jeans and a tee shirt for the bands performance but was in full Va Scots Guards uniform to pipe the bride and groom to and from the actual wedding ceremony.

[RockyR]

Notto take away from the thread. But..speaking of piping inna rock band. Anyone know of any bands like that.

Dropkick Murphys
The Real McKenzies
Pub Crawlers
Flatfoot 56
Albannach

[Jack Daw]

He's entertaining and technically proficient, but he isn't playing anything. Just a string of throws and embellishments done really fast.

He's the "Yanni" of the bagpipers - playing a lot of embellishments, as you say, and acting as if it's tough stuff with a lot of manly expression. I can't agree that he's all that proficient at it - too many clunkers. If he were that good, he'd be playing a real tune. I knew a hot-dogger like him, who couldn't play decently otherwise.

[biblemonkey]

WOW! That guy ROCKS!

[Tim Little]

He's entertaining and technically proficient, but he isn't playing anything. Just a string of throws and embellishments done really fast.

Sorta like Rufus Harley (aka "The Pied Piper of Jazz") on speed?

[JOHNNY FAIRLESS]

WOW ! That guy was a testament to how awesome the pipes are. The ancients are smileing down upon this fella. I can also honestly say without a doubt that I will never ever be that good ! Not a sad feeling though. Im proud that there are superb pipers out there keeping GHBP alive.