Rest of the Pack

John Bradley - Bagpipe Christmas

I have to admit that when this first came across my desk I feared for what I would hear as I honestly couldn't see how in instrument as overwhelming as the bagpipes could deal with the subtleties and delicateness of Christmas melodies. My fears were unfounded, Bradley knows exactly when to place his foot firmly on the gas or ease up, musically speaking. The album covers all the old standards such as "Drummer Boy ", "Good King Wenceslas" and "Away in a Manger" with all the tracks finding new life in Bradley's original interpretations. To me, the albums best moments are when Bradley is joined by other musicians who fill out the sound immensely. In addition to the Christmas songs, Bradley also seamlessly mixes old Irish and Scottish traditional standards such as "The Field's of Athenry ", "Black Velvet Band" and others on both the "Soda Bread Set" and "Short Bread Set." If you are looking for a background soundtrack while your in-laws and relatives drive you crazy over Christmas or something as stocking filler then John Bradley's Bagpipe Christmas won't steer you wrong.