pipes Holey Ha'penny which is based on a simpler tune known elsewhere in the UK and Ireland as The Chorus Jig, was recorded by Pigg, and Tom Clough in the 1920s. The contrast between the two styles can easily be heard between these recordings. The more open-fingered style was very successful for Pigg's music, allowing him a greater range of expression than a more traditional style. His tempi were very fast - he played for listening, not as a dance musician. Unfortunately, he was suffering badly from worsening ill-health throughout the 1950s and 1960s, when all the recordings were made, and it is certain his playing must have suffered. However, the best of his recordings have a wildness and passion which is both inspiring and wholly distinctive. He has been hugely influential, and many pipers have sought to emulate his style, notably Adrian Schofield. Discography 1971 Billy Pigg, The Border Minstrel Leader 1974 Wild Hills O'Wannie, The Small Pipes of Northumbria Topic compilation with five tracks by Billy now available as a download In 2009, "Skye Crofter's / The Swallow Tail" from Wild Hills O'Wannie, The Small Pipes of Northumbria, was included in Topic Records 70-year anniversary boxed set Three Score and Ten as track one on the seventh CD. References External links Radio FARNE Recordings may be heard on the FARNE website. English folk musicians Players of Northumbrian smallpipes 1902 births 1968 deaths 20th-century English musicians Musicians from Northumberland