OK, so here is a dubious benefit to the impending invasion, but I’ll take it with no complaints…
Last night’s session is our standard “intermediate” session at the pub…faster than a slow session, slower than a fast session, etc. So in walks this stranger with a long, thin rectangular case and a thick Irish accent. Then lo and behold out of the case comes a full set of Uleann (sp?) pipes.
Turns out this guy is from county down and he’s stationed here at McDill for an indeterminate period of time. He’s stereotyically understated about his abilities, but he inherited a set of pipes from his dad and well, his playing is the best that my admittedly inexperienced ears have ever heard. He says he taught himself how to play but his style and ornamentation are more expressive, natural and, well, uh, cool, than anything I’ve heard the locals doing (yeah, I know, this is Florida…). Extremely nice guy to boot.
Anyway, I’m not puzzling the right or wrong of current events, but merely try to appreciate that it’s brought a brief, unexpected and welcomed addition to our local session community.
Gee, first an Irish Harp, then an Irish piper, at this rate maybe next I should wish for Nigella to show up with a big bowl of fresh guacamole…
DAZED
