From the Gaelic word ‘Saorsa’, meaning freedom / liberty
by Justine Salmon
Let me set the scene for you: imagine the film Highlander; gangs of wild and fearsome Scotsmen roaming the misty hills and moors of the bleakest highlands of Scotland ready for battle at a moment’s notice. Well I know that Ely, in Cambridgeshire, on a hot Saturday morning in July isn’t quite the same as the wilds of Scotland, but the Cathedral formed a great backdrop for five wild, hairy and kilted Scotsmen, wielding bagpipes and the biggest drums I’ve ever seen. They appeared quietly from around a corner and pulled a massive crowd in seconds, before they’d so much as even twitched a drumstick.
I sat on grass vibrating from the drumming, among the growing number of worms coming to the surface; I soon understood why. Saor Patrol are amazing. They have a vibrant and unique blend of bagpipes and drums that brings traditional Scottish music from the past into the present and well beyond. They’ve called their style ‘Celtabilly’ which seems to suit it admirably.
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The unique sound of Scotland in the 21st century, bringing the sounds of the past into the present and launching the listener into an exciting future for this Scottish band based at their Kincardine headquarters in Scotland.
Those that have heard SAOR PATROL live never forget the visual image, and the vibrant energy they send out to their audience during a performance. Their vibrant pipe tunes and drum rhythms please, and excite, many a crowd from all walks of life.