Wizards from Oz - by P/M Robert Mathieson.
It would be natural to assume
that a CD called 'Wizards from Oz' would present
something rather special in terms of musical quality
in pipe band craft. In this case the discerning
listener will not be disappointed. Whether your
approach is with a critical ear or you simply want
to be entertained this concert recording hits the
target. It contains all the spontaneous 'on the
edge' playing that live recordings live or die by,
and which tests the calibre of every piper and drummer.
The
opening track immediately establishes the pipe corps
with a sound that would be Grade 1 in and country
throughout the world. The band maintains this standard
for over one hour of top class playing. The concert
programme is made up of tunes of many different
time signatures - enough unusual and contemporary
composition to quench the thirst of any piping fanatic.
A feast of 44 tunes in total from top composers
including Murray Blair, Mark Saul, Don Bradford,
Chris Armstrong, Bob Worrall, Gordon Duncan, Bruce
Gandy, and of course the pipe major himself, Danny
Boyle. The traditionalists are also catered for
with an excellent march, strathspey and reel - 'Mrs
John MacColl', 'Susan Macleod' and 'MacAllister's
Dirk'. A big test for any overseas band is the ability
to play, and the understanding, of strathspeys.
In this case both the pipers and drummers score
well. Generally the drum scores and playing is very
sympathetic to the piping allowing the overall ensemble
to gel. Nowadays it is not enough to have tone and
good players; you need common musical direction
in all all departments of the band. Nunawading's
choice of tunes and arrangements show a defined
musical style that i feel will only get stronger
as the band continues to perform and gain in confidence.
The pipe solos show that the P/M is no slouch in
the fingerwork dept and that the future of the pipe
corps is in safe hands.
Amidst
all the panache and razzamatazz of this recording
I read the sleeve notes to discover the timescale
that this band has been working to get to this level.
This tells me that the Nunawading Pipe Band, or
NUNA as they are affectionately known, have not
yet reached their full potential or maturity as
a band. It is only a matter of time before this
band starts to tread on a few competitive toes.
Treat this CD as a warning to all bands: the Aussies
are coming back and this CD is a tour de force to
be reckoned with. - I have to say i enjoyed the
'Wizards from Oz' and would give two words of advice
to all bandsmen and enthusiasts - buy it!
P/M Robert Mathieson
House
of Edgar - Shotts and Dykehead Pipe Band
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