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Pipin' Hot Tidbits

We endeavor to combine the rich and resonant tone of the bagpipe in our recording projects. Our objective is to musically paint vivid illustrations in the mind that span the full spectrum of emotions. The "Pipin' Hot" project was to demonstrate the versatility of the Great Highland Bagpipe that is often religated to an instrument of limited use. This page has information that will give you some insight about the music and making of PIPIN' HOT.

Many of the "Pipin' Hot" songs are rich in Scottish heritage and history. Some have been left in the basic tune arrangement while others were rearranged to give a different perspective of the song. You will find some basic information here with hyperlinks to more detailed history. We also included some of the artist's comments on the selections and arrangements.

PIPIN' HOT - The Story

Weavers of the Tartan and the PIPIN' HOT album were actually the product of a previous bagpipe album Scott had recorded back in 1984. The name of this first album was "Weave of the Tartan" by the Cawthons. Scott was unable to promote this album due to circumstances arising at the time, and the project was put on the back shelf. Years went by when Scott noticed his original masters were deteriorating. He sent them away to be restored. As he listened to these restored masters, Scott felt that the arrangements and sound of his music were, in his own words, "pretty cheesy." After all, it was now 1994 and the technology and quality of music had improved quite dramatically with the introduction of mp3s and live digital editing. Scott tried recording the pipe track over on one of the songs, but the contrast proved to be too much. It was then that Scott decided to go back into the recording studio. He kept what he felt were his best songs on this first album and added some other songs and arrangements he had already had in mind to record. This time, instead of making his arrangements around the bagpipe music, he would take the liberty to arrange the pipe music around the (Scottish) style and arrangement of music he was looking for.
-Scott Cawthon

Pipin' Hot Selections:

If you like this music please support us and buy the album or download through iTunes.

Amazing Grace

Song of salvation and redemption written by John Newton in the late 1700's. This is probably the most requested bagpipe tune along with "Scotland The Brave." Select: Amazing Grace to read the lyrics.

Doxology

"I started the "Pipin' Hot" recording project with the Doxology, an old hymn, to honor and praise God who has blessed me with the talents, time, and finances to make this dream possible." -- Scott Cawthon

The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen / Skye Boat Song / My Home

Three traditional Scottish folk songs arranged to capture the nostalgia of the coastal seas. We added sounds of the sea and a French Horn to represent the Aberdeen Lighthouse. Upon transitioning into the "Skye Boat Song" the accompaying backround music swiflty changes to impart rolling and dangerous seas. The "Skye Boat" song is about Bonnie Prince Charlie. The Duke of Cumberland on Culloden Moor defeated Charles Edward Stewart, the Young Pretender, in 1746. Aided by Flora MacDonald, Bonnie Prince Charlie escaped to the island of Skye where he was later taken by a French vessel to Morlaix on the coast of Bretagne. This medley concudes with "My Home" settling into a relaxed and serene mood.

Mist Covered Mountains

A Celtic folk song arranged to convey the universal emotion of longing for one's homeland. Colleen Beaton was the volocalist that made this song one of listener's favorites.

Banjo Breakdown

Who says bagpipe music cannot be bluegrass?!

"Being a banjo picker myself, I could not resist taking this bagpipe jig and putting it in a bluegrass format." - Scott Cawthon

Bonaparte's Retreat

We hope you enjoy this rendition of a good ol? country song. We added some lyrics to it:

Wind Of Change

Mark Heckert created this elegant beautiful tune for the grand piano and bagpipes. This tune is also a listener favorite.

The Ballad of Glencoe:

Our rendering of a classic ballad depicting the massacre of the MacDonald clan by the Campbells in 1692. The tune and words to Glencoe were written by Jim McLean in 1963 and it is copyright Duart Music.

The massacre stands out in Highland history because of the betrayal of Highland hospitality .

Onward Christian Soldiers /
Will Ye No Come Back Again /
We're No Awa' Tae Bide Awa'

Three old marches arranged to depict the "passing of the guard" as the bell tolls for a new day. The bell chime melody is traditionally believed to be a set of variations on the four notes that make up the fifth and sixth measures of "I know that my Redeemer liveth" from Handel's Messiah.

"Onward Christian Soldier" is to encourage us to persevere in our daily battles. Ephesians 6:11-13: " 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Both "Will Ye No Come Back Again" and "We're No Awa' Tae Bide Awa" (We're not away to stay away" invoke a fond farewell looking foward to the next visitation.

Laura's Wedding March

Tyge Cawthon composed and performed this march for our sister's wedding.

Atholl Highlander

A "high-octane" rock rendition of an old pipe tune - A favorite for some Marinesthat served in Iraq.

Hot Rod Pipes

"I was inspired to compose this song by the nostalgic "muscle cars" and "groovy" beach songs I enjoyed when young. The song came to mind while I was sitting in an A/CCobra assembled by Mike Pickel of Spectrum Technologies. Originally, I intended on using the idle as a rythm track. However, the idle was not as precise as we needed so we used it as an effect - thanks to the excellent footwork of Mr. Pickel." - Scott Cawthon

Dark Island

My own instrumental rendition of this "haunting" folk song using the bagpipes. Original melody composed by Ian MacLaughlan in 1963, David Silver lyricist.

Turn Around

"I originally arranged this song as a Christmas gift for my daughter in 1993." - Scott Cawthon

British Last Post & American Taps
Flowers of the Forest
Amazing Grace

This is a salute to those who have given their lives in battle. The British Last Post is mingled with the American Taps. They are used in UK and USA memorial services respectively. "Flowers of the Forest" commemorates those killed in the Battle of Flodden in Scotland in 1513 and is a traditional Scots lament. This arrangment begins with a light rain representing God's empathy for us - Isaiah 53:3 "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." A 21 gun salute pierces "Flowers of the Forest" as a repectful honorium. Finally, "Amazing Grace" to transition us hope - 1 Corinthians 15:20-26 "20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. "

Auld Lang Syne

Auld Lang Syne (Old Times Sake) is a popular Robert Burns tune synonymous for the New Year.

I Love To Tell The Story
Jesus Loves Me
Just As I Am
When The Saints Go Marching In
We Will Glorify

This hymn medley conveys the gospel message of salvation found in Jesus The Christ.