| REVIEW: Neil Anderson - The Revenge of the Antipypr |
Posted by Megan Warburton, 9/26/01 at 8:04:58 PM.
When you listen to the Antipypr, you have to suspend your sense of what ‘should’ be done with a set of ‘pipes. Why, you ask? Because Neil ‘the Antipypr’ Anderson has moved well beyond what ‘should’ be done, and off into the realm of what can be done. His technique is flawless, his style singular, and when it comes to expression there’s no one better at it. Who else could play the infamous guitar riff from ‘Hotel California’ on the Great Highland Bagpipe, then turn right around and play a waltz written for the fiddle that would make your soul weep?
Anderson’s ‘piping on ‘Revenge of the Antipypr’ is, once again, excellent. In fact, the only glitch I can find is a slightly flat high A on the Baoghaltian Suite, which, given the title, can only be appropriate. He displays a deep and profound respect for the instrument and the heritage; when asked what tunes he played, he can give you the history of each tune, often resurrecting tunes not played for half a century or more. Perhaps more astonishing is that, in the four years that I’ve been listening to Anderson’s music, his ‘piping has improved. His gracings are clearer, his tempos have smoothed, and his transitions are practically imperceptible. I have never heard a ‘piper who could compare to the Antipypr; as Anderson continues to improve, I doubt I ever will.
‘The Revenge of the Antipypr’ is a collection of songs and tunes recorded at a live performance, but the album lacks the roughness one would expect of a live recording. The quality is excellent – simple, clear, and clean. If it weren’t for the applause in the background, you would be hard-pressed to label it as a live recording. It opens with a delightful tune set, ‘The Emergency Bagpipe System’ in which Anderson plays both the Highland ‘pipes and the tin whistle in a lighthearted romp. From there, it swings into the almost philosophical ‘Dante’s Local’, showcasing Anderson’s considerable vocal talent, as well as his knack for songwriting. Then the album slows down a bit, with the introspective, hauntingly beautiful ‘John O’Dreams’. The next track is another tune set, ‘The Humours of SoHo’, yet another example of Anderson’s brilliant ‘piping and skillful whistlework. We are then treated to a jazzy, poetic version of ‘Ye Jacobites by Name’, combined with a whistle tune called ‘Rights of Man’. The politically charged ‘7 Days in Bensonhurst’ follows, yet again revealing Neil Anderson as a talented songwriter as well as a ‘piper.
But perhaps the best track is the last, the famed ‘Baoghaltian Suite’, the March of the Scary Bunny People. A prolonged, wandering tribute to some of the Antipypr’s most loyal fans, the Clan MacRogue, this set of tunes ranges from slow and sweet to raucous and wild. The Anti-Clan should be proud – this track suits them (or should I say us?) perfectly. From his obvious concern for the political climate of the world, as expressed in ‘7 Days in Bensonhurst’, and from Anderson’s staunch support of the exploration of Celtic culture in the United States, it should come as no surprise that he serves as a Captain in the Army Reserves. Should his service be required in days to come, he will no doubt approach his duty like his ‘piping – with a respect and passion for the heritage behind it.
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update: Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 8:04:58 PM
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