City of Trees Pipes and Drums

There is something both comforting and haunting about the wail of bagpipes. It's really hard for me to put into words the feelings that they stir when I hear them. Feelings of happiness, sadness, fear, comfort and nostalgia...all circulate within this sonic whirlwind that the bagpipes generate. It's truly an awesome experience for me to hear them. No other instrument moves me in the same way.
City of Trees Pipes and Drums is a local band that is dedicated to promoting this wonderful tradition. They've played in a variety of venues throughout the Boise Valley and are becoming well known and well sought after. So much so that they are in the process of releasing a CD of their music.
They were in need of a formal group shot, which I was able to provide for them right after their recording session. The shoot went very well, but at the end I told them that the last frame was a "free-for-all" and they eagerly participated. Ironically, the free-for-all shot seems to be the favorite of the group...but it's the formal shot that will grace the cover. I plan to be first in line to buy my copy...order yours at www.boisebagpipes.com.

In concert with Scott Riggan

In September Scott Riggan wowed a crowd at Eagle Christian Church with a concert promoting his new album "Clouds and Fire". A local radio station, KTSY promoted the event and the auditorium was nearly packed with Scott Riggan fans. It was a lot of fun to be the event photographer!
This album is truly a remarkable project for Scott and a very personal one, as this album he filled with music that he likes. He told me a while ago that he was tired of writing music to impress music promoters and record labels...this one he decided to write what he liked and just simply go with that.
So far his reviews have been outstanding, and for me personally, I think I'll probably wear my copy out as I truly enjoy listening to the music.
Check him out a www.scottriggan.com, and check out his music at www.indieheaven.com.

Clouds and Fire

Watch this year for the release of "Clouds and Fire", a new album by Christian artist Scott Riggan.
Scott and I have been friends for few years now and we spent several months with the graphic artist hashing over what his new album was going to look like. At first he was thinking of a '70's era illustration, then starting thinking about photography instead. The idea behind "Clouds and fire" was the Biblical account of God leading the Israelites through the wilderness of the Sinai peninsula by a pillar of clouds by day and a pillar of fire by night.
We talked about all kinds of possible illustrations, Scott wearing a parachute and falling through the clouds leaving a fiery contrail in his wake (get it, clouds and fire...yeah, Scott didn't like either). Scott with this backpack next to a campfire in the desert, resting after a long day of walking. It seemed that the journey that Christians travel was the predominant theme in our discussions.
One evening, he was telling me about some b/w photography he had seen of some musician doing just everyday stuff. Making scrambled eggs, hanging out watching TV, sitting by his stranded car in the middle of nowhere...and that's when it hit me...stranded car!
The idea was complex, but not obscure. The Israelites were on a journey that they had no control over, just a pillar of clouds and fire, and the God who was leading them to a promised land. The stranded car is the universal symbol of how we are NOT in control of our destiny at all times, and that our journey is not always our own.
We found "nowhere" somewhere between Middleton and Emmett, Idaho. It was the perfect location and yes, the Pontiac GTO was fully functional and not really stranded. (Thanks Kent!)
Check him out at www.scottriggan.com, and check out his music at www.indieheaven.com