I had a really great time at band practice and I have been just craving some blog time. Of course, blogger was down for awhile this morning, I'm assuming purely because I wanted to log on...
No matter we're here now.
This morning I did something I don't usually do, I drove to work by myself. What does this result in? World's 2011 cranked at full volume screaming down the highway.
I usually skip to my favorite plays by the top bands, but today was different I was just listening to the whole thing. I came upon track 5 Oran Mor. Of course I didn't know it was Oran Mor. But my ear perked up.
I'd like to confess right now I've never paid much mind to this band. I watched their drum corp a few times and was impressed but it's not like they're giving the top three a run. But honestly, this could have been a top three performance. I sure will pay attention from now on, to every band.
Track 5 from Volume 2 of the 2011 World's, lists Oran Mor performing Lord Alexander Kennedy, Atholl Cummers, and Mrs. Macpherson of Inveran. Specifically I would recommend listening to Atholl Cummers. I feel like this performance exemplifies how Strathspeys are supposed to feel. At least from the piping, the drumming is a wee bit clipped for my taste and doesn't sit with the piping, in my honest opinion.
No this band didn't win any big deal awards, but on this particular day, on this particular recording, to this particular listener, this was a world class performance. I just love the way they lift this Spey to new heights.
Now here's the catch, I go on to track 6 and I hold the medley in great expectation. Most of it passes by without a thought but again, here are these brilliant speys with such life and lift.
Maybe I'm crazy, but I am all of a sudden a big fan of this band. Sure it's just their Speys but I believe accurately piping a spey feel with a large group of players is the hardest thing we do.
Good on you Oran Mor, whatever you did!
Don't shrug off the bands you aren't aware of, give everyone a listen, they didn't get to grade 1 for nothing.
Cheers
Sean
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