I found this review, from Scott MacLellan, came from a post on the BobDunsire.com forum.Red Hot Chilli Pipers - 2006 - RHCPCD01 (self-released)
Pipers Stuart Cassells, William Armstrong and Kevin MacDonald; Percussionists Malcolm McEwan and Steven Graham
Guests musicians: Stevie Lawrence, Lorne MacDougall, Simon Moran, Douglas Millar, and Steven Black
Engineered by D.P. Johnson, Produced by Lorne MacDougall
Track 1: The Crooked Bridge
After an energetic percussion and string intro, the pipes kick in into a glorious sound, then suddenly there's a solo piper playing it in a minor key. Goosebump time when the rest of the band kick back in for one final round, back to the major key with wonderful harmonies. What a wonderful start.
Track 2: La Boum / Jack Daniels / Barney's Balmoral / Electric Chopsticks
"La Boum" has been a favourite of pipe bands for several years now, but never played quite like this! A bit up-tempo and full of driving drumming. The following reels are all played very well and build to a nice finish.
Track 3: Tag Team Jigs: Out of the Air / Gingerhogs / Atlantic Bridge / Glasgow City Police Pipers
Each piper takes a turn showing his "jig-ability" before the three come together for Glasgow City Police Pipers. The addition of a pipe band snare drum and harmonies during the final tune helps add a bit of spice to this track.
Track 4: Highland Cathedral
This begins with a solo piper, playing the tune about as you're accustomed to hearing it. Before long, though, some tastefully done slides and vibrato appear, and on the second go-around, additional pipes add harmony and a snare drum adds a little rhythm. But then hold onto your hats for the third time, as it transforms into a majestic rock and roll extravaganza, complete with electric guitar, bass guitar, and drum kit. One could easily envision Wolfstone or even Runrig giving this tune this kind of treatment.
Track 5: Drum Fanfare
I recognize that much, if not all of this, comes from the genius of the late Alex Duthart. Very well done - the lads are having fun, and it comes through.
Track 6: Border Pipes: The Banshee / Lexy McAskill / The Ramnee Ceilidh / The Ale is Dear / Break Yer Bass Drone
A bit of a different sound here, as the track starts off with a fiddle and piano. Then the border pipes kick in and carries the set through a number of blistering reels and hornpipes. This track reminds me of something I'd hear from a Nova Scotian band such as Slainte Mhath.
Track 7: Stuart Cassells Solo: The Terror Time / Fleshmarket Close / The Antrim Rose / The Wisemaid
Stuart gets the spotlight here, performing "The Terror Time" with a soft, tasteful keyboard accompaniment. He adds just enough slides and vibrato to enhance the tune, without over-doing it. Then into three unaccompanied reels, which amply displays he can play at very fast tempo while still maintaining a high level of musicality and technical accuracy.
Track 8: Hornpipes: Train Journey North / Tam Bain's Lum
Train Journey begins with a solo piper accompanied by a pipe band style snare, then after a wee percussion brige, the other pipers, bouzouki, and more percussion join in for Tam Bain's Lum. Both are great, fun tunes, and are presented as such here.
Track 9: Lochanside
First round is quite up-tempo, by the pipes and percussion, then, after a bit of an unusual break in the middle, the tune is played once again, and what a glorious wall of sound they provide. Harmonies throughout, and extra layers added by keyboards and bouzouki.
Track 10: Rory MacLeod / Molly's Jig / The Famous Baravan
Attractive harmonies during Rory MacLeod, though the pipes get just ahead of the drums at times. Molly's Jig, composed and played here by Stuart Cassells, is performed with tasteful bouzouki accompaniment, followed by the rest of the pipers and percussion to wrap it up with Gordon Duncan's "The Famous Baravan" with some pleasant harmony.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers have become known in Scotland as an awe-inspiring stage act, and now, with this CD release, the rest of the world can find out exactly what they've been missing. This would be a great CD to give to someone who thinks the pipes are only for parades, funerals, and weddings.
My only complaint? The CD ends all too soon.
and from Diego_Drum...
have only got one word to describe this cd AWESOME!!!
It is great to hear such a good cd, with nicest and known melodies such as glasgow police pipers, but with an innovative touch from this greatest musicians, Stuart shows off all his talent, Steven shows what he can do with a snare, the djembe is really well played, and the sound os the pipes is very good.
I would really reccommend this cd to anyone who wants to have a good time listening to pipes.
The only thing that i would change is the least of the recording, too short for me.
Anyway well done guys, i am looking forward for your next cd
