I just caught Hunting McLeod in Georgetown last night after our Burns supper. In the past year and a bit I've been following the band they've undergone two member changes. I've known the fiddler Corey for about 10 years from the Coast Guard Aux. and is a good friend so I have an keen interest in seeing this band do well, I'm also privy to some goings on behind the scenes.

A few months back HM had bring on a new drummer, that was 16 year old Oliver Johnson (). Still 3 years away from being legally allowed to drink in their Canadian venues and 5 years in their American counterparts. Oliver, despite his lack of years is certainly willing and capable of putting on a tremendous show. Several times I've seen to front players stand aside while Oliver puts on a riveting, stick twirling drum solo that just, at first, quietens the audience and hen builds them up to a howling, hooting, cheering pandemonium. This kid is going places.

Just recently they've added a new piper in Ewan Brown (also a part time poster here at XMTS - Phat Piper). Last night was my first chance of seeing the new lineup and meeting Ewan. I've known him only by reputation before. He has taken over the piping role in the old HM standards without any discernible difference from his predecessor, which is actually a relief, as I do enjoy the old Hunting McLeod sound. Where Ewan's willing to stand back so that fans can see the HM they're used to so can he come forward and help guide the band in the next chapter. In addition to the pipes he also adds acoustic guitar and and a strong lead singing voice to a new tune.

They are currently working on their forth CD and I am very much looking forward to the future. My initial misgivings of the lineup changes were blown away last night. Hunting McLeod have defiantly become a strength in the Celtic rock genre.