On the road with Pipes and Sticks on Route 66: Days 7 & 8

The group of world famous pipers and drummers who hit the road in early-April on the “Pipes & Sticks on Route 66” tour have embarked on a one-of-a-kind journey, and members of the team have offered to provide pipes|drums Magazine readers with an exclusive travel log on the adventure. Drummers Mike Cole and Jim Kilpatrick and pipers Stuart Liddell, Angus MacColl and Willie McCallum are taking three weeks to traverse the old US Highway #66, playing recitals and conducting workshops along the way. Angus MacColl and Stuart Liddell bring us up to speed in the second-to-last installment of the series.

Day 7:

By Angus MacColl

Had a more relaxed start to the day. We headed to the Indian Pueblo Culture Center at noon to meet and play a few tunes with members of local Native American musicians. After we played a few tunes, we were treated to some Native American music by flutist Andrew Thomas (Dine’ Navajo), singer/drummer Simon Toya (Zia Pueblo), and musician/sculptor Cliff Fragua (Jemez Pueblo).

They explained some of the history and culture behind their music and we could feel the connection between their culture and ours. The highlight for me was when we played “Amazing Grace” and we were joined by Gregg Analla (Isleta/Laguna Pueblo) who sang and played the drum with us. This was a really powerful experience.

After a very enjoyable lunch at the center, we went to the El Rey Theatre to meet Pipe-Major Bill Horn and the members of the High Desert Pipes & Drums. Jim and Mike worked with the drummers and Stuart gave the pipers a run through some 6/8 marches and strathspeys.