Tartan Telegraph – May 2009 – Vol 3. Issue 7.

Jori Chisholm’s debut CD Bagpipe Revolution is a dynamic, new offering on the Sage Arts label. Defying easy categorization in real or virtual musical pigeon holes, this recording is representative of a variety of different styles in its use of vibrant arrangements and instrumentation not traditionally paired with the Scottish highland pipes and smallpipes. These pairings include pedal steel guitar, dobro, ukulele and an assortment of percussion instruments. One particular track combines two bagpipes in succession with a slide guitar and a deft key change that left this listener wondering what sort of sonic-slight-of-hand had just transpired! The result is a first class fusion of sounds and synthesis of rhythms. Bagpipe Revolution contains many pleasant musical surprises including an original composition appropriately titled “Evolution”, a Billy Joel song (believe it or not!) and a harmony-version of the piobaireachd Too Long in This Condition. As a result, Bagpipe Revolution truly lives up to its name as a completely original and thoroughly enjoyable recording.

— J. Beau Buffington

From The Irish American News:

“This is the best solo effort I have heard in quite a while.”

“There’s a bunch of really fine new tunes to wrap your ear around, recorded and mixed with skill. Jori himself was the producer and he certainly turned out a CD to be proud of.”

“For all you folks who appreciate good music and want to see the scope and range of the bagpipe expanded and developed, get a copy of Bagpipe Revolution and see for yourself what a great solo pipe recording sounds like.”

From pipes|drums.com, the world’s leading bagpipe magazine: 3.5 Stars

“It is obvious from this recording that Jori is not only a very talented piper but is also a very creative musician.”

“The Highland pipes are full and resonant and the mix of instruments work very well in creating an atmospheric sound.”

“Evolution, a jig-style piece of music composed by Chisholm . . . is a cleverly constructed piece of music.”

“Bagpipe Revolution is an enjoyable CD from a musician who has been willing to put together an album of contrasting styles, who has not been content to follow the usual format.”

A few words from some listeners:

Had a good listen to Bagpipe Revolution on the way home – fantastic stuff – I’m sure its going to go well for you. Found myself going back to the opening track – bloody great! Really enjoyed the variety of all the tracks.
— Richard Hawke, 2007 Argyllshire Gathering Gold Medal Winner

Yesterday we took a Sunday drive out to the country to gather pumpkins. I don’t think any of us even noticed the spectacular fall colors as we were completely mesmerized by Revolution which was playing at top volume on the CD player the entire way. LOVE it! Congratulations — superbly done.
A.S., Seattle, WA

I quite like Bagpipe Revolution. The CD has a wide variety of expression . . . most impressive to me is the rendition of the Piobaireachd “Too Long In This Condition.” On its own it’s a feat to lay down a perfect tune that’s over nine minutes long…the tuning stays sweet and the execution perfect throughout, resulting in a beautiful version of this tune.
— Neil Hubbard, Seattle, WA (read the whole review on Neil’s blog)

Well, this CD was certainly worth the wait. I have listened to it lots and its not only great piping but very unique. I have played it for others (non-pipers mostly but people who have listened to a fair bit of piping) and they are also very impressed. There is so much of it that is outside the traditional Celtic idiom but with a great and broad musical appeal. And even the more traditional pieces have very interesting and non-traditional harmonic backgrounds and instrumental accompaniment. But the track that really hit me was the Piobaireachd with the harmony part. I don’t know to what extent that’s been done before but I have never heard anything like that in the past and it was very beautiful and added great depth to the music. One would almost think that piob was written to be harmonized.
— S.G., Ontario, Canada

I’m really liking your CD . . . congrats on a really broad and entertaining approach.
— N.H.

I really, really really like Track 9, Evolution. How did you come UP with it?
— H.S.

Great work on the new album!! The pipes in A are really an interesting treat to listen to! It reminds me of the old pipe band albums my family had from the ’60s and ’70s only with a whole lot better playing this time around!
— K.M.

I think you have made a great first effort, Jori – I’ve listened to it twice and enjoyed all the tracks which is pretty amazing really. Damn but you can play bloody fast!
— G.G.

I really enjoy your new album. You have proven once again why you are undoubtedly one of the world’s top pipers. Keep up the great recording as I and many others in the piping community look forward to future albums from you.
— G.K.