Check this guy out!

[beloitpiper]

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

[Korvyn]

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

Better than i could ever do!

[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.

[castledangerous]

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.

You don't need to afford pipes to get started, just a practice chanter. Also, many bands give instruction for free. Don't make excuses!

[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.

[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?

[OC Richard]

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

Except Rufus Harley never learned the correct fingerings or ornaments or even how to tune his pipes. He was a great example of someone who is proficient on other woodwinds (he was a sax guy) but never got very good on the pipes.

His first piping album (Tribute to Courage IIRC) is hard to listen to- no drones, the chanter is out of tune, there are squeaks and squeals due to an extremely easy chanter reed, etc.

By Kings/Queens he had figured out how to play the drones but they're never really in tune.

[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.