Thoughts from customers
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"Having had some time to read through the book, I must say that the quality of content and print is first class. The research that James and Lisa have carried out is excellent, documenting the stories of so many of the top names in piping and drumming is so important for generations to come as the big names of today are the legends of tomorrow.
I was particularly interested to read about the influence my family has had on the journey of so many of the greats in pipe bands over the years. I would recommend all up and coming pipers and drummers to make the effort to read ‘Our Journey’ as there are many truly inspirational stories that may help them in their musical careers. " Ewan McAllister, Scotland Son of the famous Pipe Major, Tom McAllister |
"For me, Our Journey is a moving, inspiring, beautiful, well written treasure of a book, a bible of inspiration for anyone loving this peculiar subculture.
It shows how people from different walks of life have enriched both the colourful highland pipe music related culture and their own lives through the immense dedication they have given to honing their craft, be it in the area of bagpipe, snare, tenor, drum majoring, leading a core or a band. I found a treasure-trove of lessons about what it actually takes to win a bag pipe band contest or solo competition on any higher level, which for me seemed to tell a tale of unbounded love of the music and of pursuing perfection. The human stories behind the awe inspiring performers gave a warm depth to the people you have seen shine on Glasgow green, the recitals and the concerts during the years. Needless to say, the book has a dedicated place in front of my own uniform, in my study, offering a magical gateway for the novice wanting to enter the legion of serious participants of the pipe band world." Manne Laukkanen, PhD Helsinki Finland |
“Our Journey” documents the paths taken by forty-two of the greatest pipers, drummers and drum majors in the world of pipe bands, who have collectively won more than 200 World Championships and Gold Medals, as told by each of them to James and Lisa Laughlin. Each recounts the journey they took to reach the heights of success in the world of piping and drumming and in doing so gives the reader a unique insight into what makes these people ‘tick’. Although the stories are all different there is commonality amongst them in each individual’s energy, drive and passion to succeed in their chosen discipline that will amaze and inspire the reader. Whilst the stories are of those from the world of pipe bands, they could equally be being told by anyone who has achieved at the highest level in any field of endeavour.
The book is dedicated to the memory of Lisa’s brother, Arran, who tragically lost his life in a car accident at the age of nineteen after playing for six years with the six times World Championship winning Simon Fraser University Pipe Band . James then played in the same drum corps for six years following Arran and it is a mark of the affection and respect with which Lisa and James are held amongst the pipe band fraternity that these identities were willing to share their very personal stories with them.
This book is extremely well written and each chapter flows through the background information provided by the authors and the subject’s own words and thoughts. Having forty-two individual chapters, each on a different ‘topic’, the book can be picked up and put down at any time and as such it is an essential addition to any coffee table. The other feature is it’s outstanding presentation, layout and photography and I was astounded to find that James and Lisa had sourced a company in South Korea to achieve this, another indication of the lengths to which they have gone to achieve a quality production. I commend this book to anyone with an interest in pipe bands and piping or drumming or anyone seeking an insight in to what it takes for champions like these to reach the pinnacle of success.
Grant Carroll,
Leader,
Promotions Group, Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands’ Association.
The book is dedicated to the memory of Lisa’s brother, Arran, who tragically lost his life in a car accident at the age of nineteen after playing for six years with the six times World Championship winning Simon Fraser University Pipe Band . James then played in the same drum corps for six years following Arran and it is a mark of the affection and respect with which Lisa and James are held amongst the pipe band fraternity that these identities were willing to share their very personal stories with them.
This book is extremely well written and each chapter flows through the background information provided by the authors and the subject’s own words and thoughts. Having forty-two individual chapters, each on a different ‘topic’, the book can be picked up and put down at any time and as such it is an essential addition to any coffee table. The other feature is it’s outstanding presentation, layout and photography and I was astounded to find that James and Lisa had sourced a company in South Korea to achieve this, another indication of the lengths to which they have gone to achieve a quality production. I commend this book to anyone with an interest in pipe bands and piping or drumming or anyone seeking an insight in to what it takes for champions like these to reach the pinnacle of success.
Grant Carroll,
Leader,
Promotions Group, Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands’ Association.
