Alan's Reviews of Some of His Friends' Recordings

Recordings by Peter Kapp on the Scottish Highland Bagpipe

The latest work by Peter (1998) - Piobaireachds of the Western Fencibles Regiment. This masterfully played and recorded CD is an inspired and unique idea for a recording of the music of the piob mor or Scottish Great Highland bagpipe. The ceol mor (pibroch) selections of this recording are taken from the pipe calls included in the orders of Captain James Campbell of the Western Fencibles Regiment on July 25, 1778. The pibrochs, and the order in which they are played, give an historical account, and are indicative of the daily routine of the highland soldier of this period. The interesting and informative booklet included is well organized with extensive notes and related images. This recording and accomapaying booklet should be a part of any serious historical and/or musical study of the Scottish Highlands. Bravo!

For more information including how to order, click on the CD cover.

An impressive second work by Peter (1995) - Art Music for the Highland Bagpipe - Meditations & Marches. This recording features 12 selections of ceol mor (pibrochs) and ceol beag (marches, and two popular airs - "Amazing Grace" and Auld Lang Syne"). Peter's masterful playing on a perfectly tuned and balanced instrument is wonderfully augmented by his choice of recording locations - the old Preston Church of Cloverdale, CA, and for the pibroch "Weighing From Land", a sea cave on California's Lost Coast. The informative notes include interesting information on the origins of pibroch and the individual tunes. A most pleasurable and meditative recording.

For more information including how to order, click on the CD cover.

Peter's first recording (1983) - Highland Pipes from the Golden Age of the Renaissance Faire contains 10 tracks with 42 tunes. Billed as "A collection of favorite tunes played by Peter...in shows and on the street at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire fromm 1972 through 1983", this recording has over the years become a valued souvenier for Peter's enthusiastic Faire patrons. Entirely of the ceol beag or "light music" catagory, the tune selections would be a good source of material and arraingewments for the aspiring "street" or festival piper. My only caveat: I wish there had been an artist biography and/or discriptive notes on the selections included with this CD.

For more information including how to order, click on the CD cover.