Improvisation

Uilleann Pipes
1

I’ve noticed a practice, when recording or playing at a session, a set of 2 or 3 pieces that run in a string (forgive proper terminology)… two or 3 reels or jigs played together, one after the other.

But, after hearing Mick O’Brien play the Road to Lough Swilly, I wondered about the apparent lack of really long songs for pipes.

Are short pieces the tradition in Irish music? I know in contemporary rock and pop music, there is the demand for short things to satisfy radio play, which is seemingly an American tradition.

Now a long song could actually be an improvisation of say an air and several reels or jigs, interwoven, playing off each other, and I think this could really be very interesting.

But would this be considered as something that’s just not done, traditionally or otherwise?

2

[quote]
On 2002-11-09 12:52, elbogo wrote:
I’ve noticed a practice, when recording or playing at a session, a set of 2 or 3 pieces that run in a string (forgive proper terminology)… two or 3 reels or jigs played together, one after the other.

This originated from the necessity of playing for dancers.

But, after hearing Mick O’Brien play the Road to Lough Swilly, I wondered about the apparent lack of really long songs for pipes.

There were a few long pieces for irish pipes, but as far as I know, only “The Fox Chase” survives entirely intact. There are some great recordings of it, especially by Seamus Ennis.

Are short pieces the tradition in Irish music?

Generally, yes, but I’ve found some 16 bar hornpipes, jigs, or reels with as much pain, lyricism, and exultation as any symphony.

I know in contemporary rock and pop music, there is the demand for short things to satisfy radio play, which is seemingly an American tradition.

Not tradition so much as necessity. The old 78 RPM records required that artists condense their compositions. The cassette, LP, and CD, despite the liberation they provide for artists, still have had no impact on pop recordings in general because of the necessities of advertising.

Now a long song could actually be an improvisation of say an air and several reels or jigs, interwoven, playing off each other, and I think this could really be very interesting.

But would this be considered as something that’s just not done, traditionally or otherwise?

No, it is done, but usually only within the context of solo piping.

3

Thanks, Pat…

I suppose though that, being an absolute beginner, I probably shouldn’t even be thinking about either really long songs, or improvisation.

But I wonder whether any contemporary piper has toyed with the idea of improvising long pieces revolving around several traditional songs (?) In effect, really putting the pipes through a full and extended range of effects.

And not “only within the context of solo piping”, but with flute/whistle, percussion, etc. A group effort, centered on the pipes.

4

test

5

On 2002-11-10 13:44, elbogo wrote:
Thanks, Pat…

I suppose though that, being an absolute beginner, I probably shouldn’t even be thinking about either really long songs, or improvisation.

But I wonder whether any contemporary piper has toyed with the idea of improvising long pieces revolving around several traditional songs (?)

Tunes or melodies might be a more accurate word choice here. Singers sing songs, musicians play tunes.

In effect, really putting the pipes through a full and extended range of effects

And not “only within the context of solo piping”, but with flute/whistle, percussion, etc. A group effort, centered on the pipes.

I don’t profess to know how improvisational his work is, but many of Davey Spillane’s recordings are an attempt to make the pipe chanter work within a jazz fusion concept that borrows extensively from traditional dance rhythms from ireland, the carribean, and Africa. His arrangements include synths, saxes, guitars, bass, drums, etc. Declan Masterson has done some compositions like this, too.

But both of these guys sound much better when they tell the band to get lost, turn on the drones, tune up the regs, and just play some jigs or reels.

There is considerable room for improvisation on a particular melody and it is a part of “traditional” piping, but knowing when and where to do it is important, that’s all.

6

You are right, Patrick, about Spillane, of course: “these guys sound much better when they tell the band to get lost, turn on the drones, tune up the regs, and just play (some jigs or reels.)”

I dislike fusion, and most intermingling, unless it done well… but it’s along the lines of O’Brien’s Lough Swilly that really inspired me to dwell on this subject. That piece is so intriguing. I wish I had a copy of it.

7

Elbogo
Have you heard the Brendan Voyage?

8

Ah, Brendan… I have noticed it, but as you bring it up here, I will certainly have to order that one. I just listened to a sound clip… very nice! Thanks.