We can think of no better way to get into the Uilleann Pipes than with this "Budget Set" by Patrick Sky. This set produces the same quality tone and exhibits the same level of craftsmanship that his half and full sets do, only without the added drones, regulators, metal fittings and such. This set will serve the beginner uilleann piper / musician as well as the advanced tin whistle & Irish flute player looking for a new sound to experiment with.

This Uilleann Pipe Practice "Budget Set" Features:

• Handmade Lathe-Turned Rosewood Chanter in the Key of D
• Brass Reed Cap
• Machine Sewn Synthetic Vinyl Leather Bag
• Plain Leather Bellows
• Hand-Crafted Reed (Patrick is a Master Reed Maker)

About Patrick Sky

Patrick with Wife, Cathy

Patrick Sky, for those of you unfamiliar with the '60s, has been involved in singing, playing and performing his music and songs for over thirty years. In the past he has sold out Carnegie Hall and played for standing room only all over Europe and the United States. Among his major appearances are: The Montreal Expo, The Central Park Music Festival, Town Hall in New York and the Royal Festival Hall in London. He has the shared the billing with such artists as Pete Seeger, Buffy Sainte Marie, Joni Mitchell and Emmy Lou Harris, to name a few. Patrick has seven solo albums to his credit on the Vanguarard and MGM labels, and his latest release, Through a Window on the Shanachie label. In addition he has produced over thirty records for other artists such as Mississippi John Hurt, Rosalie Sorrells and the great Irish Uilleann piper Seamus Ennis.

It was while recording Ennis in the field that Patrick and folksinger Lisa Null, founded Green Linnet Records. This fact and Patrick's involvement in Irish music, especially piping, have made him one of the seminal figures of the Irish music revival in the United States. His book A Manual for the Irish Uilleann Pipes is the recognized text on the subject.

The Uilleann Pipes (pronounced ill-ann) are the traditional pipes of Ireland. Unlike the Great Highland bagpipes, the Uilleann pipes obtain air from a small bellows fastened to the elbow; hence the name Uilleann -- from the Irish word Uilla -- which means "elbow". The tone of the Uilleann pipes is soft and blends well with the fiddle to make sweet melodious music. Patrick also plays the guitar, bouzouki, flute, penny whistle, sings songs, and tells horrible stories.