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1.
Gold Ring 03:56
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2.
Gan Anaim 03:14
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3.
The Flying Column 04:37
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4.
Iron Man 06:20
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5.
Boudrault Set 05:21
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6.
Lonesome Eyes 03:21
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7.
Aces and Dueces 04:22
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8.
A Song for All Seasons 05:24
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9.
Frigate 07:28
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about

The Pipes

This project represents the first joint musical endeavour of partners Jen Stephen of the Toronto Brass Quintet and Dan MacDonald of North Atlantic Drift. Having always agreed that the classical and Celtic worlds could unite in a beautiful way, the two approached their ensembles in January of 2021 with an exciting proposal to collaborate. After a few zoom meetings and the exchange of many tunes and ideas, it became apparent that there was a shared sense of what the two groups could bring to one another and with that, undeniable potential.

It began with an exploration of some of the music you encounter in the Celtic world: a one-thousand-year-old march, a one-hundred-year-old strathspey and some standard Irish reels. The Toronto Brass Quintet took these ideas and ran with them. Between the enthusiasm of the brass players, the arranging skills of the members of the ensemble, and Jen and Dan’s intimate knowledge of the music, the group proceeded to arrange five more pieces. It was a musical adventure, exciting and new.

The title The Pipes refers to the combination of the wooden pipes and the brass pipes and certainly the record showcases North Atlantic Drift’s Ross Griffiths. The selections are traditional Uilleann pipe tunes, pipe music from Northumbria and two pieces that demonstrate our admiration of the great Uilleann piper, Seamus Ennis. The idea evolved in the studio, with the quintet continuously tweaking the arrangements to bring out the best in the traditional approach and to strengthen it with the sounds made available by the brass instruments.

The Pipes is the reflection of a unique musical relationship; it is, by accident and circumstance, a confluence of cultures bringing out the best in each other. Incredible musical ability, arranging talent and a shared commitment to the idea have brought forth this music, soaked in tradition and with a strong accent. The result is a collaboration in the truest sense. (Or – just two words.

credits

released October 29, 2023

Musicians
North Atlantic Drift
Ross Griffiths -
Dan MacDonald - Fiddle
Brian Taheny –

Toronto Brass Quintet
Michael Fedyshyn – Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Robert Weymouth – Trumpet, piccolo trumpet, Cornet
Jessie Brooks – Horn
Megan Hodge – Trombone
Jen Stephen – Tuba
Andrew Rasmus – Percussion, drum kit,

With additional percussion by Walter MacLean

Recorded at Union Sound in Toronto
Dan MacDonald/Jen Stephen - Producer
Leon Taheny - CoProducer
Darren McGill - Engineer
Mixing - Leon Taheny and Dan MacDonald.
Mastering - Jeff Elliot
Album Artwork - Paul Reid at Hothouse Creative
Images by Karen Reeves, Dragonfly Imagery

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all rights reserved

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Dan MacDonald Toronto, Ontario

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