Hipsters, piping clowns, God, Glasgow and the politically correct, Michael Grey has covered a lot of ground in his over ten years of writing reflections both online and in print and it is all here in this book (276 pages with photos).
A few good words on the book:
“A fantastic read. A refreshing take on all things piping, full of wit, wisdom and insight. A thought-provoking read for all."
~ Murray Henderson, Kirriemuir, Scotland
“I have known Mike since he was sixteen when he started lessons with me. He was always smart, funny, a pain in the keester and altogether still one of my favourite people in the world. His writings are thoughtful, poignant, insightful, thought-provoking and often laugh-out-loud funny. He's a treasure to have in our piping world. He's so good at the 800 to 1000 word piece that I have suggested he try to get stuff published in the NY Times or at the very least, Toronto’s Globe and Mail. Get this book and you'll see why.”
~ Bill Livingstone, Whitby, Ontario
“I've thoroughly enjoyed reading Michael's writings over the years. His articles are consistently full of effort and interest. Invariably, they have a long shelf life. I'm always impressed by how he finds an interesting angle on his subject matter. You could say his writings are the prose equivalent of his inventive music compositions.”
~ Stuart Letford, Editor, bagpipe.news, Glasgow, Scotland
“Knowing Michael Grey for my whole adult life has been one of my greatest pleasures, and having read almost every word of what he's ever written piping-wise, I've always said to him that he's partially missed his true calling as one of the very best-ever piping correspondents, because like most of us, he's unfortunately had to do something else in order to make a good living. Thanks to this new and much-anticipated book, we get to read all of it and more again. Mike is, quite simply, the Allan Fotheringham of the bagpipe (non-Canadians please Google).”
~ Colin MacLellan, Edinburgh, Scotland
“I have always felt that reading another instalment of 'Grey's Notes' was like savouring a well-aged and delectable dram. Each one a total literary gem. To weave piping history, ancestry and everyday life into a single article and make it so incredibly relatable to the reader is a rare gift. Michael Grey has that gift and we are the lucky recipients of all it has to offer. Each instalment has engaged and challenged me; informed me; and, always left me with a smile on my face. A full collection is going to be an absolute treasure.”
~ Bob Worrall, Burlington, Ontario
“In the world of piping Michael Grey has been there and got the tee shirt. Through "Grey's Notes" he takes us on a journey of his experiences, observations and reflections as a piper well-travelled. Brilliantly written in his own inimitable style - humorous, poignant and always thought-provoking!”
~ Roddy MacLeod, MBE, Glasgow, Scotland