For all pipers and friends or for those that knew Al Purcell, today is the fourth anniversary of his passing, it was also the day four years ago that I was to have my first lesson with him on the pipes. Edit to add, that I sold the practice set I bought from him six months latter, one reason being that I was newly married and couldn’t spend the time needed to practice, the other, I so respected the man, that at the time there was no other teacher I wanted to study with.
Over the ten years that I knew him, he was a gentleman, kind, patient, and always ready to teach. The lessons I got from him on the whistle and the spirit and soul of Irish music are priceless now.
I just wanted to post this so that he isn’t forgotten. I am committed to something else this weekend but for those that can make it to Ann Arbor, Michigan this weekend go here:
It was Al Purcell who gave me my first order for a full set of pipes. Over the years that I knew him, he was unfailingly generous and supportive. I know I am only one of many who are in his debt forever.
Sadly Tony I don’t, all I have is the sound of him playing in my head and heart. I don’t even have a sound recording of him on the pipes playing with my then wife on the harp at one of our sessions here in Windsor.
Tony and AlanB;
I have a cassette tape with some tunes by Al from the East Coast Tionol in Philadelphia back in the late 1980s. I’ll bet I’m not the only one, either. I can edit together a short collection of tunes if you want to swap tapes?
Thanks for posting that Mark, it’s good to be reminded on the day. I think of him often as I play Blind Mary, the last tune I played with him. He was the primary reason I attended tionols in Chicago and St. Louis and I tended to follow him around like a puppy. He didn’t seem to mind and came to expect it I think. I missed the tionol in Chicago shortly before he passed and have regretted it ever since. God willing I’ll play a tune with him again one day.
Scrounging through the bargain bin of a record shop a few years back, I found a CD titled something like “Irish Pipes, Whistles and Flutes,” which features solo tracks from a number of musicians, including two by Al Purcell. I’ll try to find it and post the details.
I was lucky enough to have met Al and shared a few tunes with him on a couple of occassions. A brilliant piper, a true gentlemen, a kind and generous musician. He will not be forgotten.