pipes|drums’ 2010 New Year’s Honours

Recording of the Year

Live at the El Mocambo, Toronto Police Pipe Band – for the third straight year, the Grade 1 Toronto Police were one of the most discussed bands in the world, pushing musical boundaries. Love it or hate it (and there seems to be little middle-ground with most), the band has stuck to its musical intentions, captured here on a CD from the bands spring concert at a famous Toronto nightclub.

Panelists’ comments:

“Something a bit different, lots of fun and a great vehicle for getting ToPo’s music out there, with no scoresheets involved.”

“Raw and off the floor was a great way to describe this CD.”

“Anyone who ignores this record in some sort of protest is simply missing out.”

Air Maidean Dubh’ an Donais (On the Black Sticks of the Devil), Dr. Angus MacDonald – now into his fifties, Dr. Angus demonstrated that he still has that magical Glenuig touch with this CD project that the purists and the adventurous will love equally.

Sealbh, Iain MacInnes – we have it on authority that the venerable MacInnes knocked off this project on a brief sabbatical from his work with the BBC. A fine, deft touch, and a keen ear for just the right Celtic orchestration are MacInnes trademarks, and Sealbh delivered – and then some.

This One’s For You, Scantily Plaid – the greatest Toronto-area power trio since Rush brought out its latest piping-rich project, with Bob Worrall again delivering the goods. Scantily Plaid continues to show that pipe music can be just for fun, and the band’s sense of humour and adventure is again appreciated.

(Please note that St. Laurence O’Toole’s Evolution concert CD was released too late in the year to be assessed fairly by our panel, but will be considered in our 2011 awards.)

Congratulations to all winners and nominees, and thanks to our panel of experts for providing their input.

Stay tuned to pipes|drums for our fearless predictions for 2011!