THE PRESIDENTS" Pick of the Month!

"THE PRESIDENT'S"
Pick of the Month!

January 1997

This month we will be looking at two compilation albums that between them encompass all that is good about Scottish music. The two CD's if bought together would be of special benefit to a newcomer to the Scottish music scene as they cover most aspects of what is available today and blend both established and relatively new acts. Both of them are definitely on the "Buy" list.

MAGIC AND MYSTERY & VARIOUS ARTISTS

RELEASE DATE 6.1.97

LABEL: TEMPLE RECORDS

An excellent mix of Scottish and Irish slow melodies played by various artists from the Temple label, this CD is perfect for "chilling out" to at the end of a hectic day! The contributors include the Battlefield Band, Alison Kinnaird, Mac-talla and Pipe Major Robert Mathieson. Some of the tunes played are very old while some were composed just this year but the overall effect is first class with the blend working very well.

I would recommend this CD as a complement to a collection of wild dancing CD's or as an introduction to the quieter more melodic music that emanates from the Celtic nations.

PRESIDENT'S CHOICE:
JOHN MCCUSKER "AIR FOR JAKES" (track 5)

THE MUSIC AND SONG OF GREENTRAX VARIOUS

RELEASE DATE: NOW

LABEL: GREENTRAX RECORDS

Released in July 1996 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the record label, this double CD brings together the best of the artists who record under the Greentrax label. Included are contributions from well known artists such as Jean Redpath, Alastair McDonald and Eric Bogle in addition to lesser known but equally talented groups including the differently named " Deaf Shepherd".

This particular double CD would be an excellent start to a Scottish music collection as it includes a wide variety of music styles and instruments. If you had heard some Scottish music while you were here on holiday and thought you liked it but did not know where to start when making a CD choice then this could be the one. The other benefit of this type of CD is that it can add to an existing Scottish music collection by bringing the listener right up to date with what's new in Scotland today.

The only downside is that we have to listen to some of Alastair McDonald's customary Campbell bashing but I would have to say that anyway!

PRESIDENT'S CHOICE:
GORDON DUNCAN "SET OF TUNES" (CD 1,track 13)

(This is an amazing track that merges bagpipes with a "Club Ibiza" dance bassline)

Surf by next month for my next "hot tips" for the latest Scottish Music CD's...

Don't forget you can hear me, and the music that I talk about, on Highlander Internet Radio...

See you next month.

"The President"

The President's" Pick of the Month
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