SIMON JAMES

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Northumbrian Smallpipes

I have a particular interest in playing and listening to the Northumbrian Smallpipes - an instrument unique to the North East of England and characterised by the fact that they are bellows-blown and have a closed-end chanter, which gives them a  staccato sound when played. It is a far quieter and sweeter sound than the better known Highland pipes. 

For more information on the Northumbrian Pipes, please see the Northumbrian Pipers Society Webpages.

If you want to hear what the pipes sound like, click here. The music is played by Ian Lawther.

MY PIPES

 My set of pipes are in F and were made by Mike Nelson of Cambridge.

I also play a G chanter made by Colin Ross of Monkseaton.

TUNES

I occasionally write music for the Northumbrian Pipes - like Cheviot Lament.

FAVOURITE PLAYERS

There are currently many fine players of the Northumbrian Pipes. I would particularly single out:

          Pauline Cato, Chris Ormston , Adrian Schofield,  Alistair Anderson, Anthony Robb,  Kathryn Tickell  and Andy May.

SELECTED PIPING PICTURES ( Click on the thumbnail for a better view)

                                         NPS Smallpipes Beginners Trophy 1996

                                         Wannies Crag 1999

                                           Cherryburn 2000

                                       County Show, Corbridge 2000 

                                     Folkworks Summer School, Durham 2000

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