Shotts Concert

Whatever happens on Saturday, Shotts had a triumph at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall tonight. I don't think I have ever heard them sounding better and came away from the auditorium more convinced than ever that the ideal shape for the pipe band is the semi - circle of pipers facing the audience with the drum corps  in line and at a tangent behind. The projection of sound the band achieved was stunning. Drone tone and chanter were on your lap. It could not have been surpassed. 

There can not be a better showman in the pipe band world than Robert Mathieson (above right). He led his troops brilliantly on the night. Humour, control, great playing (what fingers he still has) and sheer ability to command his charges and an audience simultaneously -  a rare gift. 

Now this may surprise you but the stand out for me was the MSR playing. Shotts often get criticised for this not least from yours truly. But their 'Highland Wedding', 'Bogan Lochan' and 'Mrs MacPherson' was exemplary. When played well the 'big' MSR is a completely satisfying musical product, the best the pipe band can deliver. Robert stood in front and conducted and 

this seemed to make a world of difference. P/M Robert Reid is on record as saying that pipe bands would do much better if they had a conductor and here it was, manifest.

Jim Kilpatrick's corps were frightening in their virtuosity, and so young they all seemed, running through the whole repertoire of stick juggling and wrist magic that the pipe band drummer is capable of. The bass section guided by the masterful Tyler Fry (below right) held the large crowd in sway, the tuned drum effects pleasing every discerning listener in the crowd. Other highlights?

Composer Dr Bruce Thomson was asked to take a bow before the band launched in to his 'Tommy MacDonald of Barguillean' the band's medley opener.. you'll have read about it in the PT.

In the audience judge John Wilson won a pipe tuner in the raffle and there were 

various suggestion as to what he should do with it.

MC Ken Eller (above left and cheaper than Worrall said Mathieson) stumbled at times but won the audience over with his brassy banter....nobody cared.......

That superb young Breton piper Xavier Bouderiou wowed everyone with his sax playing, yes sax, as did the guy on the Deger pipe.

Gregor Lawrie brought life to Gaelic song - he is a natural - and there were dancing girls (just how did Urquhart and Cowan keep their minds on the music?) , fiddles and flute.

But hey, you know what really came through to this listener? Shotts are back. This is a pipe band with 13 new players who found their feet tonight. They are ready to take on the best. Hear them if you can at Glasgow Green. And before I leave you, hats off to Phoenix Honda Glasgow Skye for another great promotion. Well done to all concerned.