Title: The Best of the Pipes of Christmas / Various
Artist: Best of Pipes of Christmas / Various
Label: CD Baby
Product Type: COMPACT DISCS
UPC: 700261396552
Genre: Seasonal

The Best of the Pipes of Christmas Celtic Christmas at it's Best! For those weary of the ceaseless stream of secular holiday music from department stores to TV, "The Best of the Pipes of Christmas" offers a spiritual and traditional take on the season that connects listeners to the holiday in a fresh, meaningful way. The recording features such beloved tunes as O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Joy to the World, and The First Noel, as well as Scots Gaelic renditions of There Were Shepherds in an Eastern Country (Bha Buachaillean an Dùthaich Shear) and Silent Night (Oidhche Shàmhach) all performed live on pipes and drums, harp and fiddle, organ and brass and more!. Not only does the recording define Christmas cheer, but also it inspires those of Celtic descent to reconnect with their ancestry. The recording also boasts original compositions which have had their premiere at "The Pipes of Christmas." Balmoral Snow, written in 2012 by Steve Gibb of Inverness, Scotland, to mark HM Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee. Lament for the Lost, was composed by Pipe Major Kevin Blandford on September 11, 2001 as he watched the 9/11 tragedy live on his television screen. But "The Best of the Pipes of Christmas" also offers a rich array of tunes which can be enjoyed year-round including majestic pipe and brass arrangements of Highland Cathedral, Amazing Grace and Scotland the Brave. Featured performers include New England fiddle champion Paul Woodiel, "Riverdance" uilleann piper and flutist Christopher Layer, Scottish Country Dance aficionado Susie Petrov, Gaelic Mod champion harpist Jennifer Port of Golspie, Scotland, guitarist and composer Steve Gibb and the Pipe Major Kevin Ray Blandford Memorial Pipe Band. Also participating in this rich recording are Solid Brass, cellist Sarah Hewitt-Roth and organists William Peek and Jeff Rickard. Proceeds from the concert and recording support an extensive scholarship program which includes annual gifts to the National Piping Centre and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (both located in Glasgow,) the Gaelic College of Nova Scotia and Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas. The Clan Currie Society also sponsors the US National Scottish Harp Championship, the Children's Literature Prize at the Royal National Mod and an annual academic research prize at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Scotland's Gaelic college on the Isle of Skye. In addition, the Society also produces Harp Glen - a festival of the Scottish harp - at the Seaside Highland Games in Ventura, CA, and participates in Scottish Highland Games and Festivals in the US, Canada and Scotland. An experience that has become a tradition for many can be a special event for anyone. As cool weather arrives, tune into the holiday spirit and prepare to be inspired by the Pipes of Christmas. Testimonials and Reviews Critical acclaim for "The Pipes of Christmas: "The whole evening was constructed to introduce gem after gem and still have a finale which raised the roof. In short, it was like a well constructed fireworks show on the Glorious Fourth." "...a unique sound of power and glory nowhere else to be found." "An event to be savored and cherished." 'A majestic seasonal experience.' "It's the best holiday celebration in New York City, and this comes from a cynical soul who has all but given up on Christmas. It also stirs up my wee dram of Celtic blood and makes my soul soar! I plan my entire December around the Pipes of Christmas concert." The Pipes of Christmas has the distinction of being named one of New York City's "Top Ten" holiday events.

Tracks:
1.1 Highland Cathedral - Kevin Blandford
1.2 Joy to the World - Kevin Blandford
1.3 A Welsh Lullaby - Paul Woodiel
1.4 There Were Shepherds in An Eastern Land - Jennifer Port
1.5 Balmoral Snow - Steve Gibb
1.6 Lament for the Lost - Kevin Blandford
1.7 Amazing Grace - the Kevin Ray Blandford Memorial Pipe Band
1.8 Christmas Carol Festival - Solid Brass
1.9 Pipe Band Medley - the Kevin Ray Blandford Memorial Pipe Band
1.10 Hymn to the Saviour - Steve Gibb
1.11 The First Noel - Paul Woodiel
1.12 Silent Night - Jennifer Port
1.13 O Come All Ye Faithful - the Kevin Ray Blandford Memorial Pipe Band
1.14 Scotland the Brave - the Kevin Ray Blandford Pipe Band
1.15 The MacMhuirich's March - the Kevin Ray Blandford Memorial Pipe Band