The 14th annual pipes|drums New Year’s Honours

2015 Recording of the Year

Ceolry – Greater Glasgow Police Scotland Pipe Band

The live recording of the band’s 2014 Ceolry concert just before the World’s at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall came to the fore, with high production value, capturing the intense Celtic and Highland music tradition evident in the band’s style under Pipe-Major Duncan Nicholson. Nearly a year in the making, Ceolry was worth the wait.

Panellists’ comments:

“Great melodies and ensemble.”

“Just liked the “music’ better and thought some of it was risky – and worked.”

“Was at the convert and spent some time with the band prior to the event finding out what was behind the theme of the concert. Tremendous effort in pulling it together and executing it on the night.”

Also considered (alphabetical order):

Live – ScottishPower – a close-runner-up for the award this year, ScottishPower under Pipe-Major Chris Armstrong continues to impress musically and tonally, represented in this fine recording from 2015. “Excellent recording from a band at its peak.”

Live at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall – Fred Morrison Trio – “Young Fred” in fine form playing all manner of pipes, demonstrating why on any given day he’s untouchable in terms of spellbinding rhythmical playing. “Fred Morrison ripping the tunes in front of a live audience. Doesn’t get any better.”