Al Purcell on a local Detroit cable TV in 1992, gives a wide ranging overview on the Irish uilleann pipes.

Al took Irish music very seriously, avoided the limelight, and taught traditional Irish music out of his basement for years.

Al loved piping and listened to all types of piping, Breton Bagad, Highland or Northumbrian and was keen reader of history. Piping lessons were so much more from such a learned man. With his wife Anne, the Purcell household was an oasis for many a desperate wandering piper looking for help with reeds, repairs or moral support.

Al was especially effective when playing slow airs, arguably the hardest type of trad music to get right. The concert pipes he plays were made by his teacher Leo Rowesome, in Dublin where Al's father, Leo, was a Highland pipe instructor.

Al emigrated to the US in the 50's, joined the US Air Force and later worked at GM as a wood model maker. He married and raised 3 daughters in Warren, Michigan until his passing in 2000.

Al was inducted into to the Michigan Irish Hall of Fame. I hope you enjoy hearing Al again sharing his love of piping.

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