Press Release - Cuisle Cheol na bPíob (The musical pulse of the Pipes)

Traditional Irish music from the deepest well in the tradition – Paul Edward Keating

This important recording of solo unaccompanied traditional Irish music on the uilleann pipes is the essence of what our tradition is about.

Often referred to as the sound of Ireland, the music of the uilleann pipes has a unique sound that conjures up images of all things Celtic and Irish in particular.

Kevin Rowsome is the fifth generation of the family who have made the greatest contribution to the uilleann piping tradition. The contribution of Leo, Kevin's grandfather, in particular is well documented. There are two events held annually dedicated to Leo and the Rowsome family tradition.

Cuisle Cheol na bPíob is the culmination of over five years of research into ancient traditional Irish music. Kevin analysed the archives of the Traditional Music Archive, Na Piobairi Uilleann and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann deciding on material for this recording. In doing so he sourced archival music from an array of music collections from as far back as the early 19th century and in many cases adapted it for the uilleann pipes. Practically all of these pieces haven't been recorded before. The sleeve notes are well researched, highly detailed and conscientiously written.

Track number seven, An Buachaill Caol Dubh (The Dark Slender Boy) is one that Kevin learned from his father, Leon. Both his father and grandfather Leo recorded that same air on solo uilleann piping recordings, Leon on the Glenside label in 1971 and Leo on his seminal recording Ri na Piobairi (King of the Piper's) on the Claddagh label in 1959.

The recording also features three of Kevin's own compositions. One of these, an air named Cuisle Ceoil an Bhlascaoid (the musical pulse of the Blasket islands) was awarded first place in a competition that was set up to find the most suitable musical piece to commemorate the Blasket Islands, off the coast of County Kerry.

At the 2016 Fleadh Ceoil in Ennis, Co. Clare, Kevin, was presented with a Bardic Award from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in recognition for the significant contribution to the promotion of a variety of aspects of traditional Irish culture.