Matt Seattle introduces his latest collection

In the introduction to his latest book Matt Seattle writes
“Geordie Syme’s Paircel o Tunes follows on from The Master Piper, our edition of the 1733 William Dixon manuscript, in a series of initiatives by ourselves and others to move beyond mere revival toward the revitalisation of the Border piping tradition.
Taking on board the accounts of Geordie as “the best piper of his time” and “the best piper in the country” and taking our lead from music manuscripts in the library of the Buccleuch family who were his patrons, we have put together a collection of music which we believe will do justice to Geordie’s reputation while at the same time challenging today’s pipers not only to enlarge their repertoire, but also to increase their skill-set and to deepen their understanding of the music.Geordie Syme’s Paircel o Tunes is a 200-page book containing a nourishing menu of 173 musical items, from short and sweet to long and savoury, from easy to challenging. Some harmony parts are included:
20 Airs and miscellaneous tunes; 15 Rants and Measures; 16 Minuets;10 Triple-time Hornpipes; 42 Jigs (6/8 and 6/4, i.e. dancing / listening); 14 Slip jigs;  51 Reels; 5 Variation Suites
Plus Introduction, Illustrations, References and Notes.”

Matt’s book is a major expansion of the published repertoire of today’s Lowland and Border piper; we hope to have a full review of the book in our next issue.