My Love Is In America: David Power.

Uilleann Pipes
1

I have been listening to this latest CD from David Power now, since the last day of the GNIUPC Tionol. And with each listening, I have to say I am drawn into it more and more. There is some mighty stuff going on within this recording… and I thought I would share some of my thoughts about it with this forum.

From the opening of The Salamanca Reel, to the final chords of George White’s Favorite, it is quite difficult to pull myself away from listening intently to David’s piping… though I confess, I really haven’t tried to.

The piping is crisp, clear (… partially from that perfectly balanced Fromment C set he plays) and (IMHO) inspired… anyone who has witnessed David piping first hand, will certainly attest to that. You can quite literally close your eyes and hear the inspiration. This is one mark of a mighty piper in my book!

Though I can hear some influence from Ennis, Clancy and Reck (among one or two others), what I hear foremost, is the passion, creativety and sensitivity combined with a great touch, in which David approaches and renders each tune on this recording. Pure piping, without the clutter and distraction of accompaniment, just as I perfer to hear it… again and again and again.

For lovers of airs, this is a tremendous CD. David’s performance of Eanach Dhuin brings me to the very brink of emotional ruin, only to save me from toppling into that abyss by the track The Frost Is All Over and Paddy’s Return. Then, immediately afterward, I find myself being lifted upward, slowly, by the light and lofty tones and graces of the air: Mna Bhaile Loch a’ Riach.

The Bonny Bunch of Roses and The Sally Gardens, are among my many favorites on this recording (actually, I think it safe to say that every track is my favorite :smiley: ), and is a keen insight into what I feel must be the beating heart and soul of both the man and piper.

This has just become the current #1 recording within my piping library, and I have a hunch that it will remain so for a very long time… or at least until such time when David releases another CD. :smiley:

Do yourself a favor (if you haven’t already done so), give this CD a listening to… over and over again. You’ll be very happy you did. :thumbsup: This is one CD that, after listening to it, encourages one to break out the pipes and allow them to have their way with you!

(disclaimer: The above are solely my opinions regarding David Power’s brilliant and masterful CD: ‘My Love Is In America’, and was not solicited by David or anyone else… I have received no compensation {… more’s the pity… :laughing: } for my opinions concerning this review.)

All the best,

-Joseph.

2

Boy Joe, you hit it on the head there. This CD is magic - and is the only one to topple my beloved Kitty Lie Over as far as piping CD related play time in the stereo. The Fox Chase is absolutely brilliant, and to my ears one of the best renditions I’ve heard of that piece. (though others may well disagree with me)

A great work by a great piper, and good man. Check out David’s CD if you haven’t done so yet!

http://www.claddaghrecords.com/www/product.asp?pID=1833

(wish I got a kickback too Joe, but alas! We’ll have to find other means to fund our piping habits!) :wink:

3

The Fox Chase has long been a favorite of mine, and David’s rendition is wonderful.

… hmmmmm, perhaps we could organize and sell tickets to a Naked Llama Wrestling event???.. or… then again, perhaps not. :smiley:

4

I don’t think that there is much of an audience for naked llamas, wrestling or not.

5

Well said Joseph,… David moved here NJ some 40 minutes from my doorstep over a year ago for a two year stint. You can imagine my jaw dropping on the first meeting. since then we’ve become good friends and I have taken full advantage of the private lessons. i have in the past… well …temperred my comments on his CD and piping due to the relationship. I am a three year student of the pipes and David’s tutelage comes at a critical early stage of development.
What you hear on the cd is what you’ll hear live…the very little if any reverb or other affects applied. This is Traditonal in the truest form some will argue that this is true piping…others will dismiss it as it lacking any accomanyment ..sadley the latter miss the point and lather in the commercial world of traditional Irish music. I enjoy hearing the pipes with other instruments yet the beauty of the pipes in a solo setting allows the listener to harness the mastery and skill that otherwise gets lost on the popular recordings with accompanyment. I know “irish musicians” who’ve been at it for some years and havent a clue as to where the foundation lies. Its right there staring you in the face …when Ennis said seven years of listening he was not referring to the Corrs. You want learn start listening to the hardcore tradional stuff… …Thank you Mr Power ..

6

I was just listening to the CD a few hours ago. It is great stuff.

As for Llamas a few of us at the SLPC would like to start a “Burning Llama” event (like the Burning Man) but Brian tends to be offended by this type of discussion.

7

I have wanted this CD since it came out but have been too broke to buy it. Now I must find a way.

8

I have also been listening to this CD on my commute back and forth to work. I have to say the CD is a little bit of a let down after listening to some of the same songs in person. :sniffle: A recording doesn’t do justice to the sound that he is able to get from those pipes. I guess I will have to settle for the CD until we can sucker him back to Utah for some fly fishing and live piping. Seriously, I am really enjoying the solo piping on this CD. I am also faithfully practicing my posture (not spreading my legs like a floozy), vibrato, and FGA triplet.

9

It is true, live is far superior to any recording. Technology cannot (as of yet) do justice to the ‘up close and in person’ feel, sound and look of the live performance.

10

its a, class album.