For Argyll

In a special commemoration to mark its 80th anniversary, the Mid Argyll Pipe Band presents Blackwood & Hickory on Saturday September 15th at Ardrishaig Public Hall. Unlike a traditional recital, the show features not only the combined majestic sound of the Pipe Band but also the superb talents of some of its individual members, suffused with contemporary arrangements subtly orchestrated by some of Scotland’s top session musicians.

The culmination of a years dedicated rehearsal and planning, Blackwood & Hickory has taken form through workshops, original composition and finding new approaches to band arrangements. With a unique local perspective, the concert includes pieces with roots in Mid Argyll and many original new tunes by Pipe Major Tony Higgins, with small pipes, bellow pipes, fiddle and even African percussion adding a dynamic perspective. Young chanter students and novice pipers will also join the band in a moving arrangement of Somerleds Legacy, an original piece by Rod Buchanan.

From the outset, all members of the Pipe Band were committed to exploring new cultural territory for the concert, and have deftly included a venture into hip hop with the occasional addition of break beats and percussion loops into some unforgettable tunes. Playing live with the band are Session A9 pianist Brian McAlpine, legendary Shooglenifty drummer James Mackintosh and Wild Biscuit guitarist John Saich, creative director of the project. All three have worked together on various tours and albums over the years and are delighted to be part of this exciting and momentous project in Mid Argyll.

The unswerving vision and commitment of David Higgins, Bill Halliday and all the members and supporters of the Mid Argyll Pipe Band has made the resulting show Blackwood & Hickory an achievement all Argyll can be proud of, taking innovation forward with the tradition in equal measure.

Tickets for Blackwood & Hickory are priced £8.00 and available from the Argyll Book Centre, Lochgilphead, telephone 01546 603596.

The Mid Argyll Pipe Band and Blackwood & Hickory are sponsored by Angus Maitland with grant assistance from HIE Argyll and the Islands and Awards For All.

For further information visit WildBiscuit.com