In the "Most Influencial" Category

Paul Reid · Post by **Paul Reid** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 2:18 pm

I'm pondering about the people in this great calling of ours who have, in their own way, influenced the masses over the last several decades with their passion for the uilleann pipes. They may or may not have been the best at what they do, but their accomplishments have led to the significant popularization of piping or pipe making.

Criteria:

1. must be alive
2. not necessarily known as either a piper or a pipe-maker
3. must have had some major historical influence on the promotion of uileann piping locally/globally
4. does not have to currently be active or involved
5. could be at the top of the pyramid for inspiration to many

My first two people that could warrant a nomination to the category would be Patrick D'Arcy for his significant website "uilleannobsession.com", and Heather Clarke for her popular tutor book.

Who else?

Tony · Post by **Tony** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 3:23 pm

Hmmmm... perhaps Eric Rigler.
The soundtracks he's played on brought the sound of Uilleann pipes to more 'non-Irish' ears than any other piper.

Pat Cannady · Post by **Pat Cannady** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 3:29 pm

Pat Mitchell

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 3:41 pm

Bill Ochs.

Greg Schnider · Post by **Greg Schnider** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 3:55 pm

Probably Davy Spillane for being the piper in Riverdance when it was starting out and causing many to first ask what that "instrument" actually was.

That and Liam O'Flynn for playing on Christy Moore's Prosperous album which of course lead to Planxy.

Greg

No E · Post by **No E** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 4:59 pm

Paddy Maloney, for his work with the Chieftains and at Claddagh Records (with maybe an honorable mention for Garech Da Brun).

No E

Patrick D'Arcy · Post by **Patrick D'Arcy** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 4:59 pm

I think Dennis Brookes had a profound influence on piping on the west coast of America. His work being cointinued by the great Wally Charm.

Patrick.

PS - The cheque's in the mail Paul

No E · Post by **No E** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 5:03 pm

Come to think of it, if it wasn't for Dale Wisely, we wouldn't even be having this discussion

-No E

Paul Reid · Post by **Paul Reid** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 5:06 pm

Any execs from NPU?

glands · Post by **glands** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 5:17 pm

I'm speaking of the North American continent here..........

Pat Sky was instrumental in developing a renewed interest in the 60's and 70's.

David Quinn rejuvenated serious Uilleann pipemaking in America.

Joe Shannon was recognized by his contributions and named a patron of NPU.

Tom Standeven should receive a posthumous designation as a patron of NPU.

Chris Langan did much that is still influencing piping today thru the instruction delivered by at least two of his great students Patrick Hutchinson and Deb Quigley.

Benedict Koehler has set the standard for reedmaking in the US.

Eric Rigler has been heard by millions around the world by getting the pipes out there on soundtracks, etc.

Lorenzo · Post by **Lorenzo** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 5:23 pm

I agree that Denis Brooks is the one. He started the SF pipers club, the Seattle Pipers Club, was the cause of several other offspring clubs, and now has been teaching in Ireland for a number of years. The guy just leaves a string of pipers in his wake, where ever he goes, and those pipers have encouraged many other pipers to get started. And he's been doing this for 35-40 years.

fel bautista · Post by **fel bautista** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 8:34 pm

I'll second Denis; I got my first chanter from him via a trade. His "manual" served me well way back when.

djm · Post by **djm** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 9:04 pm

I vote for Royce. Without his sneering insults, snide criticisms, and general slag-fests, this forum would have crawled up its own rectum long ago. Even those snooty flute players can't resist coming over here to lurk when Royce comes to town.

djm

brianc · Post by **brianc** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 9:05 pm

Paul, I find your question intriguing, although your list of qualifications is quite limiting as to the pool of possible answers.

Many - no, in fact ALL of the names mentioned thus far (with the exception of conversing with Paddy Maloney on several occasions, and one brief meeting with Benedict Kohler) are people I've never met, and only infrequently have I ever heard of them, especially in regard to the topic at hand.

So, in order to stay within the rather tight confines of your list, I offer the following names:

1) Eric Olson
2) Bill Tiernan

Eric is solely responsible for getting me into the 'dark side', and both are responsible for keeping me interested in staying on the 'dark side'. They are, quite honestly, two chaps who have, together and single-handedly, kept piping going in the greater Rocky Mountain region.

Thanks, guys.

Tony · Post by **Tony** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 11:45 pm

Thomas (Steampacket) Johnson
http://w1.461.telia.com/~u46103557/